Protect individual files with a password - Here's how
There are different ways to protect the password from the email provider or private files on the home computer from uninvited eyes. Here we present the most common:
Protect files with Windows on-board means
As of Windows 2000, you can have individual files and folders encrypted directly using functions in the operating system. The Ultimate version is required for Windows Vista / Windows 7. If you have this, proceed as follows:
- Right-click on the file or folder to be encrypted and open the "Properties" in the context menu.
- The "Attributes" are located under the "General" tab. Select the "Advanced" item there.
- Check "Encrypt content to protect data" and confirm this by clicking "OK".
- Windows now asks you whether the changes should only be applied to this folder or to all subfolders. Since the entire content is to be protected, select the item "Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files" and confirm this with "OK".
- Now the window with the properties is displayed again. If you click "OK" there, Windows starts encrypting the files. You can recognize encrypted files by the fact that the name is written in green letters.
Encrypt files and password collections with TrueCrypt, ArchiCrypt Live and Co.
In addition to Windows' own function, there are also programs that are aimed at encrypting sensitive data. The advantages here are that they offer a higher level of security and the operation is more comfortable. Popular and available as freeware are:
- TrueCrypt
- Steganos Safe One
- Folder Access And as shareware:
- ArchiCrypt Live
- Steganos Privacy Suite
The Windows 7 operating system was tested. A replacement for an anti-virus program is not encryption of data.