Add Files to an Encrypted Archive

Encrypting Files with 7-Zip

Note - never provide the password to the encrypted file via the same method you provide the file. For instance, if an encrypted file is uploaded to a secure website - you should call the recipient separately at a number you already know to provide the password. 

  1. Install a compression tool which supports encryption. 7-Zip is used in the example instructions below. (Faculty/Staff may request that IT install 7-Zip or a similar tool for you).
  2. Navigate to the folder containing the files you would like to encrypt and store in a common archive file.
  3. Select all files you want to add to the encrypted file and right-click and choose "7-Zip/Add to archive"


 

4.  Ensure the target folder and archive name are as you want them using the folder selection at the top of the dialog. In this example we use the default archive format of ".7z".  if you prefer another format you may select it.  Then set the password (be sure to document the password securely for others who may need it).  Finally select OK.

 

Encrypting files with Adobe Acrobat

Because the quality of password protection / encryption in individual programs can vary - it's recommended that a vetted strong encryption tool like 7-ZIP be used to encrypt the individual files if you need to send sensitive information and email is the only approved way to do so (for instance due to certain government agency requirements, etc). 

In some cases, certain programs LETU provides can sufficiently protect files if used correctly. Adobe Acrobat can sufficiently protect documents as long as the "Encrypt with Password" option is selected. Note that this is not necessarily the same as "Protect with Password" as the latter option does not encrypt on some versions of Acrobat.

Follow these guidelines to encrypt a PDF file with a password directly within Adobe Acrobat:
https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/hub/how-to-encrypt-a-pdf-file-for-email.html
Note that the security of this option is directly tied to the strength of the password. Encryption passwords should be long (at least 15 characters long) and not easily guessed. 3-4 unrelated words (a passphrase) is a good choice for most used.

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