To start, security and privacy are two increasingly essential parameters for all users who turn on their computer every day. In view of the fact that the hard drive of this useful device stores a large amount of personal and confidential informationso it is very important to keep these documents safe so they cannot fall into the hands of any stranger or malicious person.
On the other hand, to protect our computer folders there are different third-party applications but if you use Windows 10this operating system has an appropriate function for encrypt your files and folders without installations. In this way, you do not need to use third-party applications, as mentioned, so it will be enough to make a few simple clicks and you will immediately protect those documents you want to protect of strangers.
Also, when you encrypt a file or folder, it is possible specify which users can see your content. Thus, for the rest of the people, these documents will be adulterated and they will not be able to open them in any way. It is necessary to note that the basic versions of Windows, that is, Home, Basic, Single License and Start, do not include encryption functions. But if you are a user of Windows 10then you will know the different methods that exist to carry out a convenient file encryption.
Steps to encrypt and protect files or folders in Windows 10
Surely the fastest way to code Y to protect records either folders of a device with operating system Windows 10is by using its own encryption function known as SAIs O well “Encrypted File Service”. This function is very simple and will provide excellent protection for all your files. The best thing about it is that it is done in a few Few minutes with so just a few clicks.
You must bear in mind that the documents encrypted using the EFS mechanism they are completely related to the user account with which they are created. Thus, other user accounts, even if they had administrator permissions, they will not be able to access said content. So you should make sure keep your password safe because otherwise the file will be locked forever.
Added to it, an encrypted file or folder cannot be read on another PC, whether copied, sent by post, etc.; this action is not allowed. That way, if you decide to switch users or reinstall Windows, you yourself you will have problems accessing the encrypted document.
In this sense, we are going to begin to detail the steps that you must carry out:
1 – Locate the folder or file you want to encrypt
Once you locate it, click with the right button mouse over it.
2 – Choose “Properties”
When you are in the drop-down menu, select the option “Properties“. In case they are various documentsin the same way you can do it by choosing all the files and pressing the keys “Alt+Enter” of your keyboard. This action will open the combined properties of all the selected files or folders.
3 – Go to the “Advanced” option
The general tab shows you common information such as the file size and creation date. At first glance, the boxes are located to mark a file as “Hidden” or of “Read only”, and in the case of the encryption box, this is hidden. To be able to see it, you must press the section “advanced”.
4 – Encrypt content to protect data
When entering the advanced options, you will already be able to see the box “Encrypt content to protect data”, which you must activate to securely encrypt the desired document.
Now, if this option does not appear, (you may have a Windows basic version) and therefore, it does not have this support. You can to have these options.
5 – Encrypt the document and/or the folder that contains it
To conclude the process, after pressing “To accept” in the previous window, it is very likely that you will see a window like this. There it is explained that having an encrypted file in an unencrypted folder It can cause other people to access your content through temporary files created by different editing programs such as Word or Photoshop, for example.
Indeed, it is up to you if you want encrypt only the document or if what you want is also do it with the folder that contains it.
Thus, with these five simple steps, you will have completely secure and private documents. Consequently, you will wonder who can see this password protected file and you should know that they are by default visible by the user who has protected them. What ultimately refers to .
That way, you can see that the document adds a lock icon in its preview, but otherwise you will be able to access the file without any problem in the application of your choice.
However, if you copy the same document to another computer, you will also see the lock iconon the other hand, preview not showing. So there it is not permissible to access the content with any application and it is not possible to decipher it either.
Why is it so important to encrypt documents in Windows and what are the risks?
Although it is true, document encryption refers to a process by which you make certain information unreadable. In this way, said information can only be seen if a key is previously applied to it, which, of course, must be known and saved by the person carrying out the process. Namely, You will only have access through a password or code.
Now, encrypting documents in Windows is extremely important and given that Windows 10 makes it easy to do Why not make use of this beneficial tool?
A key example is when your laptop has been stolen. This is how you face a dangerous situation and even more so if the device is full of important files with personal or work information. Therefore, the best thing you can do is to have some way to block it to prevent the thief from accessing sensitive data. It doesn’t matter if this guy resells it, it’s worth encrypting your documents just in case.
In the case of businesses and corporations, Document encryption is also essential, since all the files that are handled there are mostly confidential type. This is applicable if you own a company that works physically using a intranet among their workers. In addition, it is usually important if it is an Internet-based network because there will be many databases that will be in the cloud all the time and of course require extensive protection.
Regarding the risks that presents these actions, it should be noted that this action reduces the risk but does not eliminate it completely. Also, it is an illegal action in some countries, so if you decide to download, install or use programs to encrypt documents, this would be a crime itself. With which police and intelligence services they could initiate an arduous investigation of those groups from whom you are seeking to protect information. Getting to accuse you of criminal activity or espionage.
List of most used programs to encrypt documents in Windows 10
It is also possible to use a non-native Windows program to encrypt documents on the computer. Thus, we recommend the following that are totally free and of Open Source:
- AES Crypt: Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android and Linux.
- AxCrypt: Write the information in a text file, use the program to encrypt it, attach the encrypted document to the e-mail and ask the recipient to install the same program. Afterwards it is only to send to him the key that you used.
- DiskCryptor: Possessing a light interface, the program makes the encryption service very simple. One detail is that this can only be done with existing disks, not having the option of creating new ones. The DislCryptor uses top of the line algorithms, such as AES, Twofish and Serpent.
- BitLocker: Protect the entire unit. This is a very simple and fast method, as it protects all the files on a drive in just an instant. In addition, it is a safer method than SAIs.
- 7-zip: Alternative known as file compactor. So in the same way that it runs document compaction, it can also be encrypted. blocking so the file with password.
- Gpg4win: Used as the center of your system, the software is a graphical interface to the gnuPGwhich uses the encryption algorithm: OpenPGP. It was not made to run easily, but as a tool it is very versatile. You can encrypt your data on the HD, data in the cloud, your e-mails and other information of interest.
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