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22. Guide to Encrypting Files with a Strong Password

Encrypting files with a strong password adds an additional layer of protection, ensuring that only you can access your sensitive information. It also has the advantage of not requiring access to a key device or any EID service via internet. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to encrypt your files with a strong password:

Step 1: Assess Password Strength Requirements Before encrypting your files, it's important to understand the password strength requirements. The minimum password criteria are as follows:

  • Length: 20 - 64 characters
  • Contains:
  • At least one digit (0-9)
  • At least one uppercase letter
  • At least one lowercase letter

Step 2: Choose a Strong Password

You have two options for selecting a strong password:

a) Use the auto-suggest feature to generate a random password. The password will have the following criteria:

  • Length: 20 characters
  • Contains:
  • At least one digit (0-9)
  • At least one uppercase letter (A-Z)
  • At least one lowercase letter (a-z)

b) Manually create a password meeting the specified criteria. It is recommended to utilize a password manager to generate a strong, random password that meets the criteria and then store the password there.

Step 3: Encrypt Your Files

Once you have a strong password, proceed to encrypt your files. Follow these steps:

  1. Select the file(s) you want to encrypt.
  2. Right-click on the file(s) and choose the option to encrypt.
  3. You will be prompted to enter a password. Input the strong password you've created.
  4. Follow any additional on-screen instructions to complete the encryption process.

Step 4: Safeguard Your Password

Your encrypted files are now protected by a strong password. However, it's crucial to safeguard the password itself. Here are some tips:

  • Use a Password Manager: If you used a password manager to generate the password, ensure the manager itself is secured with a strong master password.
  • Write down the Password: Avoid storing the written password in easily accessible locations.
  • Never Share: Never share your password with anyone unless absolutely necessary.

By following these steps, you can effectively encrypt your files with a strong password, enhancing the security of your electronically stored data and making it suitable for long-term storage.