Why MS doesn't include file, folder protection feature?

[win7en]

Hi,

I'm wondering why Microsoft persists not to include an easy right-clic feature to protect folders and files in Windows?
Like in user's accounts protected with password, why we can't do the same for folders and files to protect them?
Right-clic on a folder (or file)> protect>set password>OK! it is done!
Easy, handy and secure feature!
Where can we suggest to MS?

 

[zigzag3143]

Hi,

I'm wondering why Microsoft persists not to include an easy right-clic feature to protect folders and files in Windows?
Like in user's accounts protected with password, why we can't do the same for folders and files to protect them?
Right-clic on a folder (or file)> protect>set password>OK! it is done!
Easy, handy and secure feature!
Where can we suggest to MS?

I am araid windows 7 is locked and there wont be any significant change to its programming. Is there a particular reason that it iws this important to you?

 

[win7en]

I am araid windows 7 is locked and there wont be any significant change to its programming. Is there a particular reason that it iws this important to you?

Why do you lock your home's door and cupboards when you get out?
Why there are multiple protection software now ? even for USB, external drive,...etc?
Locking folders and files is important to protect them from intrusive (children, curious friends, but also if you forget or loss you laptop (or stolen) you will be "sure" that nobody will access to your video, bank statement, passport copy...etc.! That is, access to your folder in those cases will not be easy for non hackers!
Much more security is better than not enough, isn't it?

 

[joel406]

Password protecting files dosent always mean they are safe. I personaly have software the will decrypt encrypted files and folders.

Just pull the HD and USB it to my laptop and in 5min I'll have your stuff on my screen. And for all you apple is the more secure platform fanboys out there I can do yours to.

Back to the subject. Security is great. But theres really nothing you can do when the tools to break everything are out there for the useing.

 

[Teerex]

Top Windows 7 editions have this kind of feature, a bit more more sophisticated, it is called Encrypting File System.

There are plenty of free tools available for this simpler and basic password protection, and I don't think it will ever be added as part of Windows.

 

[win7en]

Top Windows 7 editions have this kind of feature, a bit more more sophisticated, it is called Encrypting File System.

There are plenty of free tools available for this simpler and basic password protection, and I don't think it will ever be added as part of Windows.

Yes, there are, but windows built-in protection systems should be "better" or "more efficiently" as they are native to windows!
But why do you think it will ever be added into windows?

Password protecting files dosent always mean they are safe. I personaly have software the will decrypt encrypted files and folders.
Just pull the HD and USB it to my laptop and in 5min I'll have your stuff on my screen. And for all you apple is the more secure platform fanboys out there I can do yours to.
Back to the subject. Security is great. But theres really nothing you can do when the tools to break everything are out there for the useing.

Yes, protection is not absolute in windows but in the same time, all people are not geek and don't know necessarily how to unprotect files and folders. So, protection offer safety at least against those who don't use special software to break protection, such family members or friends in visit!

 

[win7clutz]

Since it's doubtful that MS has any interest in your opinion, why not chill and just use something like this!

 

[kucing13]

+1 for folder lock.

 

[win7en]

Thanks for your suggestions but Folder Lock is shareware, about 40$ !

 

[kucing13]

and your data worth more than that isn't it

 

[metalmania31]

Password protecting files dosent always mean they are safe. I personaly have software the will decrypt encrypted files and folders.

Just pull the HD and USB it to my laptop and in 5min I'll have your stuff on my screen. And for all you apple is the more secure platform fanboys out there I can do yours to.

Back to the subject. Security is great. But theres really nothing you can do when the tools to break everything are out there for the useing.

Yeah, but isn't that like saying why lock your home some one could just kick the door in or pick the lock. It lowers the chance of that file being viewed by anyone you don't want.

 

[karlsnooks]

Thanks for your suggestions but Folder Lock is shareware, about 40$ !

With you original post, I agree that I would like to see file-level encryption added, however, MS thinking is that permissions and rights is the way to go.

I did read a favorable report on another, new product which also costs money, I believe $29, from the same company as the Zone Alarm people.
Here is the link to their product:
ZoneAlarm DataLock

 

[Bill2]

Just use Truecrypt. Its the ultimate free encryption program.

TrueCrypt - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

I've been using it last 4-5 years, works great and very customizable.

 

[Borg 386]

Well, you can do a couple things:

You can zip the file and password protect it.

You can keep it on a FD or other removable media off the system.

You can d/l a freeware like Glary Utilities and it has a built in File Encrypter/Decrypter (as well as some other good tools)

"When life hands you lemons, ask for Tequila and salt, then call me"

 

[fseal]

Maybe I'm missing somehting but why is there a need for this? [edit] Or rather why would there be a need for this to be built in?[/edit]

User accounts /automatically/ lock all user files and user created files and folder to that account. The built in ACLs do this for you automatically, though the default is rather loose, i.e. you can still see files but not change them but you can fix that by changing the read permissions for "others" for that folder if you want.

The only way I can see this needed is if you have muclitple people sharing a single account and want to protect "your" files from the "other" user. But just use multiple accounts and it works automatically.

And yes if you REALLY want to protect files, use the built in encrypted folder feature.

 

[kucing13]

some people maybe overprotective. when you have something secure,they always be the opposite,people can hack. Just like many members mentioned in earlier post .There;s a limit on how to be secured though

 

[Borg 386]

Probably the safest way to protect your files is keep them on removable media, off of anything that has public or net access.

Anything that can be encrypted can also be hacked, given enough time.

 

[Borg 386]

Here's another suggestion for you: AxCrypt | Free Easy to use strong file encryption, integrated with Windows Explorer. Encrypt, compress, decrypt, wipe, view and edit with a few mouse clicks. AxCrypt | Security Download | PCWorld