Data security is of critical importance whether in office or on the move. It makes even more sense if you have to be on the move constantly with your laptop, which is always under the threat of getting stolen. Antivirus software and firewalls only protect the computer from Internet threats. But what about your data? You can secure all your confidential information using an encryption system. Encrypting files means that you can convert your file into a format that cannot be read by anybody but you.


Encrypting sensitive files is a fairly simple process. When you encrypt a file, it adds a file encryption key to it. Now every time you want to open or read that file, you will need this key which only you have.


Encrypting

Here is the process to encrypt your files.

  • On the Start menu, go to All Programs, then to Accessories, and open Windows Explorer.
  • Now right-click on the folder you want to encrypt, and click Properties.
  • Go to General tab and click Advanced.
  • Check the Encrypt contents to secure data box.


All your files in the folder have now been encrypted. However, remember that you cannot encrypt files or folder that is compressed. Encrypting such a file/folder will automatically uncompress it.


You can choose to encrypt a single file too. Just follow the same procedure. You can also encrypt all the files in the same folder along with the parent folder by selecting ‘Encrypt the file and the parent folder’ option in the Encryption Warning dialog window.


Decrypting

Once you have encrypted your file or folder, you need decrypt it to be able to read the contents. Again it’s a simple process.

  • In the Start menu, go to All Programs, then to Accessories, and click Windows Explorer.
  • Right-click on the file or folder, and click Properties.
  • In Properties, go to General tab, and click Advanced.
  • Select the Clear the Encrypt contents to secure data check box.


Your files are now available to you. You can also decide whether you want to decrypt the entire folder or a single file and subfolders in the folder. Choosing to decrypt only the folder does not decrypt all the files and subfolders in the folder. Also note that if you add new files or folders to the existing encrypted folder, they will not get encrypted automatically. You will have to encrypt them manually.


Another very important thing to keep in mind is that if someone can access your computer, he/she can also access the encrypted file and folder. You can enhance your privacy by setting a password to your system and grant only limited access to outsiders.