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Password Protect Files is essential, as you can never be too cautious when it comes to preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information. Your password is the final line of defense between your data and those you wish to keep from accessing them. In such a scenario, password protection is the only barrier between your data and unauthorized individuals.
It is an additional layer of security you can easily add to your most sensitive files. In a previous section, we covered how to password-protect a file or folder. This page provided comprehensive information and precise step-by-step instructions on Password Protect Files.
This page aims to deliver even more in-depth and targeted information on how to password-protect files, expanding on the goals of the previous page. This time, we’ll focus on how to protect various file types and provide you with additional helpful advice.
How to Password Protect files on Mac
MacOS does not offer native encryption when you password-protect a folder, but you can use the Disk Utility to place them in password-protected containers with an encrypted image. If you want to directly encrypt a folder with a password, you can use a programme such as Encrypto.
- Find and open the Disk Utility application using Spotlight
- After the app is open, click on File and then select New Image
- Choose the New Image from Folder option that will open a settings window
- You can now choose the folder you want to password protect and choose 128-bit or 256-bit encryption
- You’ll receive a prompt to add password to the image
- Enter a strong password that you will use to decrypt the image when required
- In the Format option, select Read/Write so that you can add and remove files in the future
- Click on Save and the Disk Utility will encrypt the folder with password protection
How to Password Protect File and Folder on Windows
- Click on the Windows icon in your taskbar or hit the Windows button on your keyboard
- Type Run and then select the top result
- Once the Run window is open, type Services.msc
- In the Services application, scroll down to find the Encrypting File System service
- Right-click on the service and click Start
- If you want the service to start automatically in the future, right-click on the service and select properties
- From the Startup Type menu, select Automatic
- Restart your computer and your encryption service will now be running
Why password protect your folders and Files?
Using password protection to lock files and folders enhances your digital privacy and security, as you must enter a password to access your documents. When you password-protect your files, no one can access them without the password, protecting your sensitive information and data.
You should not rely solely on your Windows login password to protect your most sensitive data, just as you wouldn’t leave piles of cash or confidential documents lying around your house. Advanced password-cracking techniques allow determined hackers to gain access to vulnerable computers’ folders and files.
Protecting sensitive data with a password and encrypting files does more than just protect your data if you’re hacked. When you share your computer with family or anyone else, password-protecting your files enhances your privacy. And it will prevent you from accidentally sharing sensitive files with others. you can visit Microsoft support center for further help.
FAQ
Why can’t I put a password on a folder?
Your account is already protected against unauthorized access with a password, which prevents you from applying a password to a folder (and even encryption if you use BitLocker).
How do I put a password on a zip file?
Select zip from the Archive format section of the menu window. In the menu window, locate the Encryption section. Input the desired password into the field labelled Enter password. Retype the password in the field labelled Reenter password.