Encrypting Files with WinZip

WinZip allows you to encrypt individual files (or collections of files) for secure storage on your computer or secure transmission via electronic mail. This software is available for use on University-owned computers by faculty and staff members located on campus.

WinZip does not automatically encrypt files. You must follow this process to ensure the security of University information:

  1. Download and install WinZip from the OIT Software Downloads site.
  2. Start WinZip by clicking Start -> All Programs -> WinZip -> WinZip 9.0.
  3. Click the "New" button to create a new archive. You will be asked to create a name for your archive and choose the storage location.
  4. WinZip will then automatically take you to a window which allows you to add a file to the archive. Select the file you would like to encrypt and click Add.
  5. You may add additional files to the archive by using the Add button on the main WinZip screen, if desired.
  6. When you are finished adding files, click the large Encrypt button, shown by the arrow in the figure below:
    Encrypt Button
  7. Click OK to dismiss the Caution window.
  8. The encryption window will then appear, asking you to specify the encryption options for your file. Provide a strong password by entering it twice.
  9. Ensure that the "256-Bit AES encryption (stronger)" option is checked.
    Encryption Options
  10. The archive will then be encrypted and stored in the ZIP file with the name and location you specified in step 3.

There are several important notes concerning the encryption process:

  • The original files are not encrypted. Only the ZIP file is encrypted and safe to send over the Internet.
  • If you send the file to someone else, they will need the password you specified in step 8 to open the file. It is not safe to send this password via e-mail. We recommend providing the password by telephone.
  • The recipient will also need a copy of WinZip to decrypt the file. University employees may download WinZip from the OIT site. Others may obtain a free trial version from the WinZip site.