Windows then asks whether you wish to encrypt the file only, or its parent folder and all the files within it as well. We recommend you opt for full folder encryption, just to be on the safe side. Now, once you navigate to the encrypted folder, you will see a small yellow lock on the file icon.
Also, when you add new content to that folder, it will automatically be encrypted too. To be clear, Windows file encryption protects your files against anyone who gets their hands on your computer. The encryption is tied to your Windows account, so when you are logged in, the files decrypt on the fly by the operating system. However, if someone were to log in through another account, they would not be able to access files that were encrypted under your username. This is why it is critical to create a strong login password in the first place.
Power users can also use this method by LaptopMag. Someone need only log in with your account to access your content. Read on to find out how to keep your files safe should your account be hacked.
These tools offer more security than built-in Windows security features and are highly recommended for sensitive data. A content protection feature for Windows worth looking at is called Folder Lock. By default, Folder Lock uses a master password to control locked content.
Each Locker can be assigned its own password and you can limit the amount of disk space it can take up. Folder Lock comes with a powerful file shredder and a cloud-based backup solution, too. You can try a demo for free.
The interface is extremely simple to use. After installation, the tool will ask you to create a master password to manage all your locked content.
All locked folders will no longer be visible on the drive until you unlock them. LocK-A-FoLder is free and is the least resource-hungry folder locker out there, making it an ideal solution for older computers. Finally, passwords are almost always the weakest link in a security chain.
A password strength checker can be of great use here. Online tools like The Password Meter and my1login are great tools to use here. While strong password protection will be enough for most users, if you have sensitive data, then more advanced methods such as third-party encryption tools can be used to safeguard data.
Beyond regular password protection, you can also use disk-encryption software that offers more robust security measures. These tools can block even the most advanced cold-boot and brute-force attacks, which try to crack passwords and encryption keys using different combinations. This free, open source software can be used on any computer, and virtually any Windows system. It is essentially a file archiver that uses high compression and strong AES encryption. Your files are protected by being compressed and encrypted, so when you go to access them yourself, you simply need to decompress the file first.
To secure your data with 7-Zip , follow these steps:. Download the latest version of 7-Zip. Run the installation program. In your Windows directory, select 7-Zip File Manager. From the 7-Zip control panel, select the file or folder you would like to protect, and click the Add button. Choose your compression options see image below. A - Type in the name you would like the encrypted file to be named.
D - Click OK. Click the Extract button. With support for AES, Serpent, and TwoFish keys, VeraCrypt is a free, cross-platform data security tool that can encrypt your files any way you require. VeraCrypt comes with full disk encryption but can encrypt at the volume level as well. Users can decide whether they want specific folders encrypted or entire systems. The software works something like the Daemon tools that can create a virtual CD drive on your computer.
Download the setup file for Windows and install the software, then follow these instructions:. To start, you will need to create a volume — essentially an encrypted folder where your data will go. Click on Create Volume. Select Create an encrypted file container and click Next. VeraCrypt gives you the option to create a normal, visible container or an invisible one. Click Select File and navigate to where you want to store your encrypted container.
Click Save. The next section essentially asks what encryption method you want to use. Again, we suggest AES, the strongest encryption used today. Then click Next. Assign how much space you wish the encrypted folder to have. Finally, enter the password you wish to use for your volume and click Next.
VeraCrypt is now ready to create your container. Users can still view a list of the files within a compressed file. If you want both your file names and contents to be hidden, move all the files into a single folder and password protect that folder.
If you need to password protect or encrypt data you frequently use, you need to install a third-party program that allows you to protect your files and folders. Below are some free and commercial solutions.
Open a search for more solutions to password protect files and folders. How do I password protect my files and folders in Windows? Tip Before password protecting any document, you may want to create a backup of the non-password protected files and folder in case you forget the password in the future. Microsoft Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 10 users. Microsoft Windows XP Professional users. Microsoft Windows XP Home users. Other security solutions for protecting your files and folders in Windows.
Things to remember when encrypting or password protecting files and folders. Your certificate will be exported and you will be prompted to name it. You can save the certificate onto removable storage such as a USB drive or other storage media. Activate the Certificate Import Wizard on another computer.
Method 3. Enable file sharing on your network. As an alternative to password protecting the file itself, you can restrict access to the file to specific users. This will require assigned users to log in with their username and password if they are trying to access the file on your hard disk from a different computer. Ensure your computer is on the same network type and workgroup. If your computer is not on the same network as other computers, they will not be able to see each other or make a connection.
You also need to make sure the workgroup type is the same as any discrepancy will prevent your computer from being able to connect to other computers. Click on the workgroup name to change this setting if it does not match your peers' workgroups. Activate Advanced sharing settings. Share the file on the network. Right click on the file you want to permit access to. This will bring up a menu. If a user is not given permission to open the file, they will not be able to see the file on the network.
You don't have that option directly. However, you can lock up files indirectly. Yes No. Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Remember that passwords are case sensitive. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Be sure to remember or record your password in a safe place as they cannot be recovered. When creating a password for a Microsoft Office document, you can repeat the process to remove a password as well. Instead of typing in a password, erase everything in the text field, accept the prompts and save the document to keep your changes. If you create a password for a Microsoft Office document, keep in mind that Microsoft Office programs will create temporary files that are used as backups in case of a program crash or if you forget to save your file.
Be sure to delete any temporary files on your computer as these will not feature password protection. These will be located in the same folder as your document. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published.
0コメント