Data encryption – the simple method

A simple way to encrypt data is to compress it in a password-protected ZIP file. The degree of protection depends heavily on the password. Generally speaking, this method does not afford as high a degree of protection as data encrypted with VeraCrypt, for instance. Still, "poor" encryption is better than no encryption at all.

If you keep two things in mind, this method is not a bad approach:

  1. Select a good password.
  2. Convey the password via a communications channel that is separate from the ZIP file or the link to where the ZIP file is stored.
    In other words, send the file or link via email and supply the password over the telephone, for example.

Under www.datenschutz-individuell.de/anleitung/7-zip/, you will find instructions on how to encrypt files using the 7-zip freeware program. 

For information about the requirements for creating good passwords, read the article on passwords.