Let’s begin by addressing the most frequently asked question, “What is encryption?” A piece of information is encrypted when it is changed into a format that only a certain person with the access key can read. Even though we might not notice it, encryption is frequently employed in a variety of situations. For instance, throughout the transfer chain, the messages transmitted or received by the WhatsApp or Signal apps are encrypted. Only at the user’s end do they stay in their unprocessed form. Cash taken out of ATMs and information stored on cloud services like AWS and Microsoft Azure are two further examples of data that is kept encrypted. In Windows 10, there are several ways to encrypt files, but let’s first grasp the fundamentals.
Summary of Contents
The types of file encryption methods
Here are two popular encryption methods:
Encryption using Symmetric Keys
It is the conventional method whereby every user decodes the data using the same key. Using the same key, the communication is both encrypted and decrypted. It is imperative that you make the password more difficult to decipher as a result.
The security is increased by making the key longer! An interesting example of this form of encryption is the AES 256 algorithm. Security and intricacy are both provided by the use of 256 characters.
Encryption that is asymmetric
It is a simple encryption method that uses two keys—the public key and the private key—that are mathematically complimentary. In this way, encryption is accomplished using the public key, and decryption is accomplished using the private key. Only recipients who have been verified can decrypt the message using the private key.
This method authenticates the identity of persons connecting while encrypting data. The most modern technique is slower but safer.
Your files and folders can be encrypted using a variety of techniques. There are many third-party commercial and free applications that offer quick and easy ways to encrypt your data. Here, we’ll encrypt files and folders using a function that comes with Windows 10.
What exactly is an Encrypting File System?
You can use EFS to encrypt system files and directories that are already present. An encryption file system is known as EFS. You can still make changes to these files and folders by using the decryption method.
Your computer’s files can be encrypted to further shield your data from unauthorised access. You may encrypt files and folders on your hard drives and portable media using the Encrypting File System function built right into Microsoft Windows.
Using a file’s advanced characteristics, you can encrypt and decrypt certain files. To ensure that you never lose access to important files, EFS capabilities allow you to create backups of your encryption certificates.
How can you encrypt a file or a folder in Windows 10?
Use these methods to encrypt a file or folder in Windows 10.
Right-click the folder or file you wish to encrypt in Step 1.
Step 2: Pick Properties from the menu.
Step 3: In the Attributes section, select the Advanced button. The folder’s settings can be modified here.
Step 4: Tick the box next to Encrypt contents to secure data under the Compress or Encrypt characteristics.
To close the Advanced Attributes window, perform step 6: click OK.
Step 7: In the Properties, click OK. A dialogue asking you to confirm attribute changes will appear. Choose one of the following options from this menu.
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- Apply changes to this folder only
- Apply changes to this folder, subfolders, and files
- Choose the desired option and click OK.
- You will receive a pop-up notification that asks you to Back up your file encryption certificate and key . You may also access the message in your notification area.
- Insert a USB drive to your PC and click Back up now (recommended). You must back up your encryption key otherwise you may lose access to your encrypted file or folder.
- Click Next to create a certificate and accept the file format.
- Set a strong password to secure your file or folder.
- Click Next and choose your USB.
- Confirm the password and click Next.
- Click Finish and keep your USB in a secure place.
How can you decrypt a file or a folder?
These are the procedures to decrypt a file or folder in Windows 10.
Right-click the folder or file you want to decrypt in Step 1.
Step 2: Pick Properties from the menu.
Step 3: In the Attributes section, select the Advanced button. The folder’s settings can be modified here.
Step 4: Uncheck the box next to Encrypt contents to secure data under the Compress or Encrypt characteristics.
This is how you can simply encrypt files in Windows 10 and decrypt them just as quickly.
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