Ways to protect ZIP files and folders on Your PC

In today’s digital age, protecting your data is more important than ever. ZIP files, commonly used for compressing and archiving data, can contain sensitive information that needs safeguarding from unauthorized access.

This comprehensive guide will explore ways to protect ZIP files and folders, ensuring your data remains secure.

What is A ZIP File, and Why We Need Them?

A ZIP file is a compressed archive of one or more files or directories. It minimizes file size through compression methods, making data storage and transport easier.

We commonly utilize ZIP files for preserving storage space, arranging related information into a single container, and enable faster and more efficient file sharing, particularly when delivering huge amounts of data over the Internet or between devices.

ZIP files also allow encryption, which provides an additional layer of security for critical data.

3 Primary Ways to Protect ZIP

There are many ways to protect your files and folders on your device, mainly on your computer or laptop. Here are three ways to protect your files in extensive detail and in the user manual:

1. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN provides an additional degree of protection by encrypting your internet connection, ensuring that your online activities and data transfers are secret and safe.

A VPN can protect your data when you access or transfer ZIP files over the Internet. In the following segment, we will see some of the most important benefits VPNs provide users.

3 Crucial Benefits of Using a VPN:

• Data Encryption: A VPN encrypts all data transmitted between your device and the internet, making it difficult for hackers to intercept and access your files.
• Secure Remote Access: A VPN allows you to access your files remotely, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks.
• Anonymity: A VPN hides your IP address, that helps to enhance your privacy, security and makes it more quite impossible for third parties to track your online activities.

Steps to Use a VPN:

1. Choose a Reliable VPN Service: Select a reputable VPN service provider known for robust security features and a no-logs policy.Some popular VPN services include Symlex VPN, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost.

2. Install the VPN Software: Download and install Symlex VPN on your device. Most VPN providers offer software for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux.

3. Configure and Connect: Open the VPN software and log in with the given credentials of your account.Choose a server location and connect to the VPN. Select a server that supports strong encryption protocols like OpenVPN, Shadowsocks, WireGuard, or IKEv2 for optimal security

4. Encrypt and Transfer Files: With the VPN active, transfer your ZIP files securely over the internet.Whether you are uploading to cloud storage, sharing files via email, or accessing files remotely, the VPN will encrypt the data, ensuring secure transmission.

2. Password Protection

Password protection is a simple yet effective way to secure your ZIP files. Most compression software, such as WinRAR, 7-Zip, and WinZip, offers built-in password protection options.

Using WinRAR:

1. Download and Install WinRAR on your device according to device compatibility.
2. Create a New Archive: Right-click your file or folder that needs compression and select “Add to archive.”
3. Set Password:

• In the “Archive name” window, go to the “Advanced” tab.
• Click on “Set password.”
• Enter your desired password and confirm it. For the best security, remember to make it complicated and include numbers and special characters.
• Optionally, select “Encrypt file names” for additional security.
• Click “OK” to create the password-protected ZIP file.

Using 7-Zip:

1. Download and install 7-Zip on your device according to your device compatibility.
2. Create a New Archive: Right-click the file or folder you want to compress. Select “7-Zip” followed by “Add to archive.”
3. Set a Password:

• In the “Add to Archive” window, under the “Encryption” section, enter your desired password.
• Choose the encryption method. We recommend the AES-256 encryption method, as discussed before.
• Click “OK” to create the password-protected ZIP file.

3. Encryption

Encryption transforms your data into a safe style or format(in bits) that can only be accessed with a decryption key or password. Dedicated encryption software like VeraCrypt and WinZip Pro adds an extra layer of security.

VeraCrypt:

VeraCrypt is a free, open-source disk encryption software that can create encrypted volumes for your files.

1. Download and Install VeraCrypt: Download VeraCrypt from the official website and install it.

2. Create an Encrypted Volume:

• Open VeraCrypt and click “Create Volume.”
• Select “Create an encrypted file container” and click “Next.”
• Choose “Standard VeraCrypt volume” and click “Next.”

3. Select Location and Size:

• Specify the location and name of the encrypted file.
• Choose the size of the created file.

4. Encryption Options:

• Select the encryption algorithm (AES is recommended) and hash algorithm.
• Click “Next.”

5. Set a Password: Enter a strong password and click “Next.”

6. Format and Mount:

• Choose the file system format (FAT is recommended for compatibility).
• Click “Format.”
• Once formatted, mount the encrypted volume by selecting a drive letter and entering the password.

7. Add Files: You can drag and drop your ZIP files and folders into the encrypted volume. When you are finished, dismount the volume to secure it.

Some file compression software offers advanced security features like AES encryption, secure sharing, and cloud integration.

WinZip Pro:

WinZip Pro offers enhanced security features beyond basic password protection.

1. Download and install WinZip Pro from the official website.
2. Create an Archive with Enhanced Security:

• Open WinZip and select “Create/Share” from the top menu.
• Choose the files and folders to compress.
• Click on “Encrypt” before adding your files.

3. Set a Password:

• Enter your desired password.
• Choose the encryption method (AES-256 is recommended).
• Add your files to the archive.

4. Secure Sharing:

Use WinZip’s secure sharing options to share encrypted files via email or cloud services.

Conclusion

Protecting ZIP files and folders on your PC involves using a VPN, password protection, and encryption. However, you can also back up your data using other sources, such as Google Drive.You can always create a copy, store it in Google Drive in an emergency, and access it anywhere without fear of losing it from your device.

Device security is critical to Internet usage, as is protecting the important files on your device. Use this article as your personal guide to follow all the ways to protect ZIP files and folders on your device.