The Simplest Way To Encrypt (Password Protect) Any File

[Picture source: http://sohomediatech.com/images/security-safe.jpg]

You might want to transfer important files via USB thumbdrive, but if you lost it, your confidential files will be in jeopardy. What's the simplest way to encrypt a file?

Introducing AxCrypt, open-source free encryption tool.

1) After installing AxCrypt, just right click on any file you wish to protect, and select 'AxCrypt' -> 'Encrypt'

2) Key in a password, and the file will be encrypted instantly.

The file is now locked in .axx format, there are two ways to view the file (if you have the password that is):

• If you double click it, you're able to view the file once and it will remain encrypted right after.
• If you right click the file and select 'AxCrypt' -> 'Decrypt' instead, the file will be unlocked permanently.

What if you want to transfer the encrypted file via USB thumbdrive to another PC, but the PC doesn't have AxCrypt installed?

For this case, you'll have to use 'AxCrypt' -> 'Encrypt copy to .EXE' instead in step 1 above. It will create a copy of the file in EXE format that can be decrypted in any PC as long as you have the password with you.

End Note:

You may select multiple files to be encrypted at once. Folders are supported too, though if the folder contains lots of files, the process will be very slow. For folders I recommend to ZIP them up using 7-zip, which supports password encryption as well, it will be much faster that way.

You may use a keyfile together with password for better protection, however it is your responsibility to keep your keyfile safe!

This software uses AES-128 bit encryption which is a bit dated, however it is more than enough for normal use. Unless you're protecting military top secret info :)