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:
- Select the file(s) you want to encrypt.
- Right-click on the file(s) and choose the option to encrypt.
- You will be prompted to enter a password. Input the strong password you've created.
- 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.