How To: Encrypt Documents with a Password Using 7-Zip

Modified on Mon, 19 Dec, 2022 at 9:40 AM

How To: Encrypt Documents with a Password Using 7-Zip

Overview

This procedure will walk you though the process of encrypting one or more files with a password using the 7-Zip application. The 7-Zip application is available on the hosted desktop for all users.

Procedure

Select files to be added to the encryption folder and select “Add to archive…” from the right click (context) menu.

In the Archive window, name the archive, set the format to zip, enter a password, and then re-enter the password to confirm.

Once complete, click OK, you will be left with a ZIP file that is password protected with 256bit encryption.

You can now copy the file to a USB stick and send it externally.

The receiving party will need to know the password to access the data.

Notes: If using the .zip extension, other parties will not need additional software to open and decrypt the data. Older MacOS devices may need additional software. The files are encrypted but the file names are not.

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