KI 2927 How to encrypt a file with 7-zip (Windows)

How to encrypt a file with 7-zip (Windows)

Note: If you do not already have 7-Zip installed, you can install it from the Windows software centre.

• Open 7-zip

• Using the build in file explorer, locate the file or directory that you would like to encrypt
• Select the file, files or directory

• Press the add button to add the selected files to a new repository

• If you don’t want to accept the default settings, add the zip file details (e.g. filename, where it should be located)
• In the “Encryption” section, ensure “AES-256” is selected as the encryption method.

• If the names of the files you are sending also include sensitive data, select “Encrypt file names”
• Enter a password and confirm it in the second box
  • Passwords should be at least 16 characters

• Click OK
• There will be a short delay while the files are compressed and encrypted. The encrypted file will appear in the location that you specified

It’s a good idea to check that the file has been protected and the password is functioning as you expect…

• In 7-zip, go back to the directory where the new zip file was created, double click on it
• When you see the contents of the archive, try to open one of the files:
  • If you are asked for the password, confirm it is set correctly by entering it
  • If you are not asked for the password and the file opens, the file has not been encrypted. Try again or contact BRITA for support.

• You can now send the encrypted zip file and it cannot be read by anyone without the password.
  • Make sure you send the encrypted file (normally with the “7z” file type) and not the original, unencrypted file!

If the file is too big for email, you can use the FileSender service from SIKT.

• Send the password using an alternative method (e.g. the file by email and the password by Signal/WhatsApp chat message)
  • If you send the password using the same method, anyone who can intercept the file can also intercept the password