For a more complete guide to using TrueCrypt, see our how-to see our article on Tom's Guide.Įmail or follow her and Google+. TrueCrypt seems to offer stronger encryption than the other options we've used here, and basic computer users may find it difficult to run. TrueCrypt is also currently in the middle of an independent security audit, and thus far it appears that the 7.1 release is stable and secure. If you use TrueCrypt, however, be sure to run version 7.1, as the program's creators said that 7.2 "may contain unfixed security issues." The TrueCrypt creators subsequently shut down their official website and recommended users switch to Bitlocker. Not only will intruders be unable to access your files, but they won't even know that your files are there. Set the level of encryption and click Save. Click the Options tab in the Actions pane and choose Encryption Settings. To decrypt an encrypted disk, Control-click the disk you want to decrypt, then choose Decrypt item name from the shortcut menu. Enter a password when the dialog box appears. You can encrypt the text file directly or put it in a new folder and then encrypt the folder. Drag and drop your files to the NewZip.zip center pane. With TrueCrypt, you can create hidden "volumes" stored in a larger encrypted partition. Open WinZip and click Encrypt in the Actions pane on your right side. TrueCrypt is a powerful and free open-source program for encrypting part or all of your hard drive.
MORE: 13 Security and Privacy Tips for the Truly Paranoid How to encrypt a folder using TrueCrypt Then right-click on the selected files and click Properties. Check out our step-by-step guide for setting a passcode on iOS. All you have to do is select the files or put them in a folder. To put that protection to work, all you need to do is set a passcode. On an iPad, or any iPhone that's third-generation or later, encryption is built into the device. For a walk-through of how to set it up see our guide to encrypting an Android phone or tablet. How to encrypt your Android phoneĪndroid devices also have a feature that lets you quickly and accessibly encrypt all the files and folders stored on the device.
This feature encrypts your entire hard drive, which then unlocks when you sign in with your Mac user account.įor instructions setting up TrueVault on Mac OS X, read how step-by-step guide. If you're on a Mac, you also have a built-in encryption service: TrueVault.
MORE: Should You Trust US Companies with Your Data? How to encrypt files on Mac OS X You will find it at the bottom of the dialogue box. In General tab, ckeck on Hidden box, and then click Apply. Step 3: Locate to the folders you want to hide, right-click and select Properties. From there, you need to go to Properties. In the Folder Options window, click View tab, under Advanced settings list, click Don't show hidden files, folders, and drives option, and then click Apply, then OK. Once you find the file, please right-click on it. Right click on the files or folder that you want to encrypt and select Properties. Read our how-to on these two types of encryption for a step-by-step guide. Step 1: First, you need to locate the file that you want to encrypt. How to Lock Files and Folders by using EFS encryption.