Securing a zip file

[mediaman09]

I need to send, via email, some tax related files to my accountant ( doc, xls, pdf etc)

I thought the easiest way to do this, with some level of secrity/deterrent , would be to zip them and apply some security/encryption.

I currently have no zip software other than native Win 7 (send to compressed folder). Is there any recommended software that can get the job done easily with making the process to complicated. I am open to any commercial software as well.

I downloaded 7-zip Ver 9.2 but could not see any security.

Is WinZip still a good choice? I downloaded Winziip V16 64-bit ( but not WinZip courier just yet). So far I hate it. It doesnt remeber where my files are ( always need to drill down) and I cannot figure out yet how to password protect the zip files. Ver 4, circa 1990, was so much easier

 

[C-11]

7-zip should do the job.

Using 7-Zip to Compress and Encrypt Your Files and Folders | Windows7hacker

How to encrypt ZIP files securely using 7Zip

 

[fseal]

Just realise that no matter what you use, your accountant has to have the same software as you on his end to decrypt it, UNLESS the software you use has the option to save as a self extracting exe. (The "Create SFX" option on the dialog in Flatirons links). Course your accountant then has to be willing to accept an EXE file from you and run it on his local machine (Which if I were him I would never do)

Then you of course need to get a password to them outside the same email channel

 

[mediaman09]

7-zip should do the job.

Using 7-Zip to Compress and Encrypt Your Files and Folders | Windows7hacker

How to encrypt ZIP files securely using 7Zip

Many thank s, but man is this ever frustrating. The screen shots in those links seem to refer to a different program !! ARGH !!!

When I create a zip file, and right click, what I see is per attached ( Ie all I can get to is the 7 zip file manager- which gives me no options) !!

I do NOT see this window at all:

I only see this:

 

[fseal]

Try looking under "Send To" on that context menu? They could have moved it there...

 

[C-11]

From the first link above.

To encrypt the final zip file during the compress process, you can simply highlight the files and folders you want to compress, right-click on any of those, and choose 7-Zip to Add to Archive.

Then in the Add to Archive dialog window, select the Archive format, put in the password, make sure the Encryption method set to AES-256 before pressing OK.

To encrypt a Zip file, you will need to right-click the file, go to 7-Zip, and choose Add to Archive. I would hope the program can encrypt directly to a zipped file without adding it to another compressed file but I guess there might be limitations there that prevent the program from encrypting it directly.

 

[mediaman09]

The only wway I can get it to work is by leaving windows explorer (where I can see my files), going to Start / 7-Zip and drilling down back to where my files are. Totally not what I wanted.

Worse. when I create an encrpted file, it offers no protection on the zip file itself...its wide open for anyone to read the filenames within... it only prompts for a password when the file is clicked. Thats completely useless. I dont see any ability to set any options.

Hmm. any other program out ther that work? Not having any luck with Winzip or 7-Zip. Its 2012 ! It should not have to be this complicated. What ever happned to keeping this simple???

 

[mediaman09]

With older version of Winzip, it was a breeze. I used to be able to select files, create a zip, add a password, done. Thats all I am after but I am striking out big time.

 

[mediaman09]

Try looking under "Send To" on that context menu? They could have moved it there...

Thanks, but nope - nothing there.

 

[C-11]

I've used AxCryp before and know it works.

Axantum Software AB | AxCrypt | File Encryption Software

 

[mediaman09]

I downloaded WinRAR.

It works intuitively. Finally. Will glady pay the $29 for software that works.

HOWEVER, I have the issue described above . I cannot seem to prortect the file itself - it sill exposes all the contents. How does one addresss this??

Manaily placing a zip file inside another zip file would work, but that a pain, and I never ever ever had to do that in the past.

 

[fseal]

I would go back to 7zip since it has that functionality built-in, including the option of creating a self extractor. It has to work somehow even if the context menu items changed. Is there a 7zip program listed on your start menu you can run to create the encrypted zip?

And have you talked to your accountant about this? Does he have a procedure in place he uses with other customers? Is he even willing to deal with this file you plan on sending him?

If he has an SFTP or HTTPS site or something you could just securely send the file from a web or FTP program without you or him having to use any further software...

 

[mediaman09]

I would go back to 7zip since it has that functionality built-in, including the option of creating a self extractor. It has to work somehow even if the context menu items changed. Is there a 7zip program listed on your start menu you can run to create the encrypted zip?

And have you talked to your accountant about this? Does he have a procedure in place he uses with other customers? Is he even willing to deal with this file you plan on sending him?

If he has an SFTP or HTTPS site or something you could just securely send the file from a web or FTP program without you or him having to use any further software...

I would like to avoid self-extracting EXEs. I wouldn't open them myself!! I just want to be able to create a password protected zip file like I used to 20 years ago.

I am at a loss why this is no longer a standard thing.

I wrote tech support at Win RAR. I am a near expert user - something is off here.
I know "I" could be the one who is off, but this is so basic.

On 7-zip, it only works off the start menu.... and has the same issue in terms of no ability to protect the contents - all the file names remain exposed... only the files themselves are password protected. Totally useless.

Do any of you have things configured such that opening the zip file itself prompts for the password?????

 

[Bongo]

Do you have 7-zip setup to use the shell context menu?


I just encrypted a zip with a .png in it and I need a password to see it.
Jerry

 

[mediaman09]

Per post #4, its as if I have a completely different program. I see none of that.

I do not see any of those screens.

I downloaded 7-zip from the links provided. All i can see is a useless file manager - no options whatsover

So , what version do you have?

What is the EXACT URL that would take me to download that EXACT version?

The version I have is this:

 

[mediaman09]

What is even more fasicanting is that your file not protected at all form my perpective; that is, I can see the names of the files it contains:

 

[Bongo]

Download

 

[Bongo]

What is even more fasicanting is that your file not protected at all form my perpective; that is, I can see the names of the files it contains:

Can you open it?
It's just a name give it anything

 

[mediaman09]

What is even more fasicanting is that your file not protected at all form my perpective; that is, I can see the names of the files it contains:

Can you open it?
It's just a name give it anything

Suppose I have 20 files - one for each girl on a soccer league. The files are named:
- Jane Doe
- Sally Green
- etc.

Each of the 20 files has contact info. I want to password protect the entire zip file so you cannot even see the names of the files. I do not want you to see the names Jane Doe, Sally Green etc. I dont want the file names exposed!! Currently they are - just like yours.

Years back this was a no brainer! Click on teh zip - you are pormpted for a password.

Why is this no longer possible??????????????

 

[Infinite]

How to password protect a Zip/Rar

Hi mediaman09, I just tested this and this password protects the whole zip:

Download WinRAR.

1: Open WinRAR, select Options and then Settings


2: Click on the Integration Tab and select everything and integrate it into Shell.


3: Next find the file you want to lock in Windows Explorer, Right Click, select WinRAR and select Add to Archive.


4: On the General Tab select RAR as the Archive Format and select Lock archive.


5: Now go to the Advanced Tab and select Save file security and Set Password to set the password.


6: Type in your desired password and press OK.

   Note

Don't forget to Encrypt it

7: You should get a confirmation asking for a password when you try to open the file:


8: If you try open the file with another software like 7-Zip, it will still ask for a password.

   Note

Remember, the person trying to open needs some software that can extract RAR's, for example 7Zip, WinZip, PeaZip, etc