- File encryption :-
All operating systems on Windows XP and beyond have the ability to encrypt files. Through this, the data of files is converted into strange language which no one can read. If you want, you can use this feature for your files. However, no one else can read encrypted files. But this applies only to computers that open only when you give usernames and passwords, such as in offices. Files encrypted by one user cannot be read by another user. These files can be opened, read or used only after login on the computer with the original user's name. To take full advantage of this feature, it is essential that you keep your Windows password safe.
The method of file encryption is very easy. Right click on the file or folder you want to encrypt and select Properties. Now go to the Compress or Encrypt attributes option by pressing the Advanced button in the General tab and select the Encrypt contents to secure data option and press the Ok button. Your file has been encrypted.
The features provided in Windows are almost enough to keep the files and data safe for the common users. If you need more security arrangements, then advanced software will have to be used for that.
- Hidden folder :-
If you want to protect your folders or files from the eyes of others, make them hidden. In Windows XP, 2000, 2003 etc. right click on the file or folder for it and go to Properties and click on the hidden box in the Attributes. Your content has been hidden. To show or hide hidden files, another setting has to be made in Windows Explorer. Double click any folder to open it. Now in the menu, select Tools -> Folder Options -> View and go to the Hidden files and folders option and tell whether you want to show or hide hidden files. Enter your instruction permanently by pressing the Ok button. To do the same settings in Windows Vista and Windows Seven, you need to press the Organize menu button and click on the Folder and Search Options menu after opening the folder. Now in the dialog box that opens, access the Advanced Settings on the View tab and select the option to show or make invisible files in the Hidden files and folders section. Remember, your file is temporarily invisible because using the same process, clicking on Show hidden files or folders can be seen again.
- Zip file protection :-
To keep your files more secure, they can be inserted into a password protected zip folder. The facilities required for this also exist in Windows itself. First of all, choose the place where you want to keep your protected files in the zip folder. Right mouse click on that place. Now a Context menu will appear in which click on New and then on the Compressed (zipped) folder. A compressed (zip) file will be created at that place. If you want, you can give it a favorite name. Copy and paste your files and folders in it. Now click on the Add a password option which appears in the file menu which appears on the top left side. A small dialog box will open, in which you can enter your password. All files will be password protected. Try opening, copy-pasting, or renaming any of these files. You will not be able to do this without giving a password.
Notice two things here. First, this feature will not be found on hard disks with FAT32 partitions. It is necessary to use the partition of the NTFS file system. By the way, you should be careful because this file system is usually used in all Windows computers. Options associated with choosing a file system are sought when installing Windows. NTFS is a new, more powerful and safe file system. FAT32 is an old file system with limited capabilities. The second thing is that even if the contents of such a zipped folder are password protected, the files inside it can be seen. That is, the names of files and the basic information related to them, which are visible through the Properties menu.
If you want to make your file completely invisible, then put this zipped folder in another zipped folder, which is also password protected. Now the contents inside the upper zipped folder (the zip folder lying inside) will be visible but cannot be opened without providing the password. If you want to remove the password, use the option given in the File menu.
- Document protection:-
Most people use Microsoft Office to work which includes software like Word, Excel, Powerpoint etc. Password can be protected while creating files in these softwares. There are two levels of this protection. If you want, you can also ban opening the file without entering the correct password. Password will be asked every time you open it and error message will be shown if the correct password is not given. It is also possible that you want to allow the file to be seen, but you want to make sure that no one can change anything in it. In Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. you can choose one or both types of security.
To protect the password of a file in Microsoft Word 2003, after going to Tools, click Options. Now click on the Security tab in the dialog box that opens. You will see the file encryption options for this document above. Below this, you can enter your password in the text box next to Password to open. By pressing the Ok button, your document will be saved by password. Now that file can be opened only after providing this password.
If you want someone to open your document but cannot change it, then go to File sharing options for this document via Tools-> Options-> Security as before. Now enter your password in the text box next to Password to modify. Press the Ok button to enter your instructions permanently and people will be able to open and read your document, but the freedom to change it will be given only by telling the correct password. In Microsoft Excel 2003 and PowerPoint 2003, you can password protect your documents in almost the same way.
To repeat the same process in Microsoft Word 2007, open the menu by clicking on the left and top round button (Ofiice Button). Now click on Save As, which will open the dialog box that saves the file. Here, open the General Options menu by clicking on the Tools button at the bottom left. Now in the dialog box that opens, File encryption options for this document and File sharing options for this document option will appear. Passwords can be entered in the text box provided in the first and second option to prevent the file from being opened and to prevent editing of its contents. After entering the password press the Ok button. Now your document is more secure than ever.
"Technology trust is a good thing, but control is a better one.” ...
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