How to Encrypt and Password-Protect ZIP Files in the Right Way?

That question can be explained in two eays. Do you want to hack into unknown person's private files? or do you want to avoid a form of encryption that won't give you much protection? Since I believed that most PC World readers are inherently good people. I'll suppose that you simply want to be ensured that your files will not be cracked.

Encrypt and Password-Protect ZIP Files

For some years now, the.zip format of the file intended primarily for compression and has provided encryption as an added feature. But what kind of encryption it offers depends on the program you use to create and open the ZIP file.

The .ZIP format two forms of encryption and password protection. The first nicknamed ZipCrypto is a relatively easy to crack. I'm not saying that anyone could do it, but the Info-ZIP organization calls ZipCrypto "quite weak"- a overview shared by other organizations as well.

Use of ZipCrypto To Make Zip File Password Protected

You would be far safer using the option, AES-256. Unlike ZipCrypto, AES was not structured for ZIP files. It's popular and extremely strong encryption technique used in  most of the programs. Sppose you use a strong password. It is unbreakable for all purposes.

But when you use it ZIP archives, AES-256 comes with additional problem:
Windows own, AES doesn't supported by the in built compression tool. Send AES encrpted file to someone through email. text them password and if they try to open it in windows explorer of file explorer, They wouldn't be able to open any file.

Fortunately, most of the third party zip tools, including the free 7-zip, support AES-256. Once you are at the add to archive the dialog box, enter a password and select the encryption method AES-256. You'll find these all options near the right corner of the dialog box.

One more problem with the encrypted ZIP files: No matter what type of encryption you use, anyone with access to the files can see the name of the files within the archive. If the file names provide sensitive info, a thief can take advantage of this situation. Of course, they can't be open any files without the password.