FILE ENCRYPTION: All You Need to Know

Every year, 32% of businesses are affected by cybercrime, which has a potential yearly cost of $6 trillion worldwide. This is enough reason to have a robust security strategy that works well with your current platforms and fits within your company budget to combat this risk. One of the best security strategies is file encryption. It provides your company with thorough data protection when combined with strong security controls. What exactly is an encrypted file and how does it protect your privacy? All that and more will be discussed in this article including every detail about file encryption on Mac and Windows, with its software.

File Encryption

In order to deliver files securely, file encryption encrypts all of the sensitive data they contain. The encoding guards against hostile actors’ unauthorized access and alteration. It prevents a file from being read by anyone besides the designated recipient or recipients. A workable answer is provided by file encryption. Also, with file encryption, you can make your sensitive data inaccessible to everyone but the designated recipients.

How Does File Encryption Work?

Complicated algorithms are used to encrypt files. A file that has had an encoding algorithm used to scramble the data is said to be encrypted. Once scrambled, the file becomes unintelligible, but the effect only lasts for a short while. A key that the sender supplies is included with the encrypted data. This key, which enables decryption, typically takes the form of a password or passphrase, such as a string of alphanumeric characters.

The decryption key is only given to people who have permission to access the data. The file can once again be read if the authorized receiver enters the right password or passphrase. The majority of operating systems and file systems include built-in functionality for file encryption. The decryption key enables access to the system’s secure storage of sensitive files.

When you intend to transfer files over the internet or on a portable disk like a USB drive, file encryption is especially useful. The files are shielded throughout transit, which is when they would otherwise be most at risk.

How is Data Files Encrypted?

Generally, keys are used to perform encryption. Cryptography is the practice of using keys to encrypt and decrypt sensitive material. Hence, you can use both symmetric and asymmetric cryptography as the common types of encryption.

Many businesses use asymmetric or public-key cryptography. These encryption techniques make use of both public and private keys. It can be used to encrypt files by anyone who has the public key. The files are nonetheless protected from unwanted access since only people who possess the private key can decrypt the files.

A single private key is useful for both encryption and decryption in symmetric encryption. To decrypt the encrypted files, the two parties using symmetric encryption must exchange keys. In general, symmetric encryption outperforms asymmetric encryption in speed and effectiveness. This technique is typically used by businesses when they need to mass encrypt data, such as an entire database.

While programs created to encode the data in particular ways provide encryption. Specific businesses tend to use particular encryption standards the most. Some can only be used with specific kinds of databases. The adequacy of the encryption system, the power of the algorithm, and the size of the key are only a few of the variables that affect how effective the encryption is.

Let’s examine a few well-known encryption techniques in further detail:

#1. PGP

The acronym PGP stands for “pretty good privacy.” PGP encryption was created by American computer scientist Phil Zimmermann in the early 1990s to allow for secure communications. PGP is now the most used encryption and decryption technique used globally for email and text messages. A random public key is used for encryption, and only a private key may be used to unlock the encrypted files.

#2. Open PGP

As its name implies, Open PGP is an open substitute for PGP. This source code can be used by anyone to build a new encryption software using Open PGP encryption. Similar to other key-based encryption systems, it encrypts files before uploading or transferring them. The public key of the intended file recipient is shared with the file sender. The sender encrypts the files using that key. When the files are delivered, the recipient uses a private key to decode them.

#3. Zip with AES

You may compress and encrypt files using Zip with AES. It employs Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption along with the popular HTTP file compression standards Zip and GZip. AES encryption is a specialized specification for protecting electronic data. AES uses symmetric encryption, which encrypts and decrypts files using the same key. Additionally, the substitution permutation network (SPN) technique is employed. SPN is a set of interconnected mathematical operations that converts plaintext into encrypted data.

File Encryption on Mac

Information is now frequently transported using removable media, such as memory cards, CDs, DVDs, or removable drives. Thus, by mounting the portable media on another computer, someone else can access the data if the device is lost or stolen. You must encrypt the data on removable media if you wish to keep information that is confidential or private safe.

WARNING: The disk format is changed to the APFS format and then encrypted when you encrypt a disk or other media. The data on the device cannot be read by Macs running earlier versions of macOS or Macs that do not support the APFS format. Before you encrypt the data, think about whether you need to connect the media to a Mac running an earlier version of macOS. On file encryption, you can also update the macOS on your other Mac to the most recent version, which now supports the APFS file system. This is how to run file encryption on your Mac:

Open a window in the Finder on your Mac, and then control-click the item in the sidebar that you wish to encrypt.
The shortcut menu option Encrypt [item name] should be chosen.
Click Encrypt Disk after creating a password for the disk.

Make care you write down and store this password in a secure location. Without it, you are unable to access the disk’s encrypted data. According to how much data is saved on your Mac, encryption of your file may take some time. Hence, while the drive is being encrypted, you can continue to use your Mac as normal.

File Encryption Software

Information can be sent using encryption to prevent third parties from reading it. This is crucial since we live in the computer era. To simplify things even more, encryption sends and receives your data through a highly complicated process. Utilizing the top file encryption software available allows you to achieve this. To lock and unlock data, this software employs a very long string of digits that serves as a key.

Although using file encryption software may appear difficult, it is actually very simple. Let’s look at some of the top file encryption software programs on the market right now.

#1. CryptoExpert

There is no better file encryption software program than CryptoExpert for Windows desktop software security. All of your data can be stored in safe vaults, and it is kept safe from any potential breaches. Of all the programs on this list, CryptoExpert does offer what is conceivably the strongest encryption. It offers quick, on-the-spot protection that is highly desired. You may back up a significant variety of things using the system, including email databases, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files, multimedia files, and certificates.

#2. VeraCrypt

VeraCrypt is undoubtedly one you should look at if you’re looking for the best free file encryption software. They provide everyone with a premium service with unrestricted encryption. They possess one of the most well-liked security technologies available, which gives you enterprise-grade encryption for critical info. A very reliable and cost-free basic version of VeraCrypt is available. It is also incredibly simple to use and comprehend. The only thing it actually does is apply encrypted passwords to your partitions and files.

#3. AxCrypt

In enterprises, AxCrypt was created especially for individuals and small teams. The product is strong and trustworthy. It provides you with all the resources necessary to secure and safeguard files. Files are secured using 128-bit or 256-bit AES encryption, which should readily deter any intruders. In addition, they offer cloud storage as a feature of their service. Using this software, files saved on cloud storage platforms like Dropbox and Google Drive will be automatically protected. This is a wonderful advantage because AxCrypt also protects files that are not on your computer. It is entirely bilingual and currently supports over a dozen different tongues, with plans to add more. Finally, you can manage all of your data using a highly capable app, along with passport management. AxCrypt has a free file encryption software option, although it is somewhat constrained.

#4. CertainSafe

CertainSafe is ranked fourth on this list of the top file encryption software now on the market. They offer extremely effective cloud-based encryption that will aid in risk mitigation on all fronts. Additionally, they adhere to all industry rules. Keep and exchange files, including papers, dockets, private messages, pictures, and videos. Without having to be concerned about disclosing anything to any outside sources. Through their system, CertainSafe also enables collaboration and communication with others. Yes, every communication is entirely encrypted. The automated security that CertainSafe adds for commercial databases and apps is another excellent feature. This implies that not every task needs to be done manually.

#5. Folder Lock

Individuals can access Folder Lock, a service from NewSoftwares, for secure data encryption. Furthermore, if you want to add encryption to your mobile devices, Folder Lock is a great option. You can use this service to add encryption to any device that houses important data. Your personal files, including those saved in your phone’s memory along with contacts, wallet cards, notes, and audio recordings, will be safeguarded by the software. Additionally, it offers you some additional excellent security features.

In addition to having access to the file encryption software, you will also be able to configure a fake password, disable hacker protection, track unauthorized login attempts, create a backup of all your passwords, and receive alerts about prospective brute-force attacks. As you can see, Folder Lock is a must-see for mobile protection and loads of security options. View it and decide if it’s appropriate for you.

Windows File Encryption

Even if your computer is hacked, it will be much harder to steal your valuable information if you encrypt the data on it.

How Does Encryption of File and Folder Work in Windows?

Windows’ built-in Encrypting File System (EFS) or BitLocker are the two primary methods for encrypting files on a Windows computer. As an alternative, you might employ a third-party encryption program.

You can also encrypt text files inside of Microsoft Office, including Word documents and PDFs, if that is what you’re looking to do. Additionally, Excel databases can be encrypted if you wish. We’ll walk you through some of the most often-useful techniques for computer encryption below.

Encrypting in Windows Using Built-in Encrypting File System

Utilizing Windows’ inbuilt encryption tool is the simplest and quickest way to safely encrypt files on your hard disk. The File Encryption Key (FEK) is a secure symmetric encryption method used by Windows’ Encrypting File System (EFS). Any individual files you need to secure can be encrypted using this fast and secure method, regardless of their size.

How to Enable Windows Encrypting Files System (EFS)

You can virtually immediately encrypt data if you have a suitable version of Windows 10. Consequently, there are two things you must complete before moving on to file encryption on your Windows:

Make sure a strong, difficult-to-crack password has been set up for your Windows user account. Your user account must have a password in order to use EFS, and if the password is weak, someone with physical access to the computer may be able to brute force it. Make sure your user password is strong because it will determine how secure your file encryption is.
Purchase a USB thumb drive to store the backup key. If you lose access to your user account, you will still be able to view your encrypted files thanks to this.

If you want to password-protect your papers, password managers are quite helpful because they can create lengthy, complex passwords and store them safely. For a list of the top services and information on the benefits and drawbacks of using one. You are now prepared to enable EFS for particular files or folders after completing the necessary basic preparation tasks.

Guiding Steps to Windows File Encryption

Follow these easy steps to achieve it:

Open File Explorer by performing a right-click on your Start button.
In your file manager, find the file or folder that you want to encrypt.
Find the file that needs to be encrypted.
Place a right-click on the file or folder, then select Properties. select properties
Click Advanced under the General tab.
On the advanced tab, click. To safeguard data, choose the checkbox next to Encrypt contents. Select OK.
Tap Apply. You will be prompted to choose whether to encrypt the selected folder, the folder, subfolders, and files. A popup will then appear.
Choose between Apply changes to this folder, subfolders, and files or Apply changes to this folder alone.
Select OK. The encrypted file or folder should have a tiny padlock icon in the top-right corner.

Zip File Encryption

Since a few years ago, encryption has been offered as an extra function in the.zip format, which was designed primarily for compression. Thus, the tool you choose to create and access the ZIP file will determine the type of encryption it offers.

Two types of encryption and password protection are supported by the.zip file format. They are the alternative and the built-in Windows encryption.

Alternative Zip Windows File Encryption

If you chose the alternative, AES-256, you would be safer. AES was not created for ZIP files, in contrast to ZipCrypto. It is a well-liked and incredibly effective encryption method utilized in many programs. It’s virtually impossible to crack, provided you choose a strong password. Thankfully, the majority of third-party zip applications, such as the cost-free 7-zip, support AES-256. Once you’re at the Add to Archive dialog box in 7-zip, choose the Encryption method AES-256 and input a password to encrypt the archive. These settings can be found in the dialog box’s lower-right corner.

Another issue with encrypted ZIP files is that the names of the files inside the archive can be seen by anyone with access to the files, regardless of the encryption method you select. A thief might benefit if the file names contain sensitive information. Of course, without the password, they would be unable to access any of the data.

Built-in Windows File Encryption

The Windows Enterprise, Education, and Pro versions all support this method. The Home version does not have it. The advantage of this strategy is that you don’t have to use any outside apps.

Right-click on the file or folder by navigating there.
Select Compressed (Zipped folder) under Send to.
Along with the file or folder, you ought to notice a zip file created.
Select Properties with a right-click on the zip file. file-properties
Go to the General tab and choose Advanced.windows10-file-properties
Check the box next to Encrypt contents to secure data under the Compress or Encrypt characteristics. It makes encryption possible. encrypt-zip-windows
Select Apply and click OK.
Choose the advised “Encrypt file and parent folder” option from the Encryption Warning dialog. encrypt-zip-windows-parent
Select OK.
To close the Properties window, click OK.

Once the zip file has been encrypted, only users who are currently logged in as that user can view it. This is why opening the zip file won’t result in any changes. The file cannot be accessed if you log onto your computer as a different user, though.

What Are the Examples of File Encryption?

File encryption uses AES, RSA, Blowfish, and Twofish as examples.

Which Encryption Is Best for Files?

The needs and particular use cases will determine the optimal encryption for the files. One of the most well-known and secure encryption methods is AES-256. Although AES-128 will work just as well for the majority of real applications.

Why Is File Encryption Important?

The use of encryption prevents unauthorized individuals from reading a file’s contents.

How Do You Tell if a File Is Encrypted?

All 255 bytes in an encrypted file should be distributed equally.

Can We Decrypt the Encrypted Files?

By unchecking the “Encrypt Contents to Secure Data” function, you can decrypt the file system. The file system, not your particular file, is the only place where this works. The certificate or password is necessary for decrypting files.