Tip of the Week: Did You Know You Could Protect a Zip File with a Password?

Password-protecting a file is one way to secure it from wandering eyes, particularly if you’re not the only one who uses your user profile on your computer. Windows doesn’t have built-in functionality for this type of protection, but you can use a free app called 7-Zip to do it easily enough. Let’s discuss how you can password-protect a ZIP file on your Windows computer.

How You Can Use 7-Zip to Protect a ZIP Folder

To start protecting your ZIP folders, you first need to have 7-Zip installed on your computer. Once you have done so, open File Explorer and find the files you would like to encrypt in your folder. Hold down the Ctrl key and select multiple files, then right-click any of them to find the option for 7-Zip. Under this option, you’ll find the option for Add to Archive.

Next, you’ll see a pop-up window in front of you with several options, among them being Encryption. You can enter a password into the fields available. We recommend using a secure one, just like you would for any other account. Re-enter the password into the second field, then move to the Encryption Method field. We think that AES-256 is a perfectly fine option to select here, as it’s used frequently by banks and the military. Click OK and you’re all set.

Now, the next time you go to open the folder, you’ll be prompted to enter the password you entered earlier.

For Better Protection, Call Us!

This might be a helpful tip short-term, but we wouldn’t recommend it for businesses that need much more advanced protection. For companies that want to take security seriously, we recommend a comprehensive network security solution that includes enterprise-grade encryption, remote monitoring and management tools, and a suite of preventative security measures. BNMC can provide all of these tools for you.

We are in the security business because we know that all it takes is one mistake to open the floodgates to all manners of threats. Whether you have an in-house team of technicians or you have none, BNMC can provide the expertise you need to be successful in everyday business. You can go about your duties without worry thanks to us.

To learn more, call us today at (978) 482-2020.