How to Encrypt Zip Files

Secure zip files with NTFS encryption

Zip files provide the ability to compress a number of related files into a single, smaller file. Zip files can be password protected as well, providing a basic level of security. There are a number of utilities available on the Internet that make breaking a Zip file password easy. Encrypting a Zip file is the best way to ensure the confidentiality of the files stored in the Zip file.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Windows 7, Vista or XP computer
• NTFS formatted partition on the Microsoft Windows computer

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" or "Globe" button, and then click "Computer" or "My Computer", and then navigate to the Zip file you wish to protect with encryption.

2. Right-click on the Zip file and click "Cut" in the drop down menu that appears. Navigate to an NTFS partition on the computer, and then right-click on the file or directory where you wish to store the file and click "Paste" in the drop down menu that appears.

3. Right-click on the Zip file, and click "Properties" in the drop down menu that appears.

4. Select the "General" tab, then click the "Advanced" button, and then click the "Encrypt Contents To Secure Data" check box. Click the "OK" button in the "Advanced Attributes" window.

5. Click the "OK" button, and the select "Encrypt The File Only", and click the "OK" button.

References

• Microsoft:Help and Support - How to encrypt a file in Windows XP
• Microsoft:Windows - Encrypt or decrypt a folder or file
• Windows Guides: Encrypt Files on Your Hard Drive in Windows Vista/Seven [How To]