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Data encryption is very much important as internet access poses indefinite data hacking and data stealing risks. Moreover, you may have large data files that compromise device performance due to running low on space. So, you may feel the need to zip or compress the data files. Such files can easily be shared through platforms like Google Drive and others. Do you know how to password protect a zip file on mac?
Have you ever tried sharing large files in emails? When you attach a document to an email context on GMAIL, you will get a prompt that files above 25 MBs should be compressed. It means that you cannot share a large data file and compressing it will reduce the file size and make it shareable. If you want to compress sensitive data files, then you may intend to encrypt the file with a pin code. You should know that anyone can easily steal online shared data if it is not encrypted. So, it is suggested to password-protect the zip files.
If you are using a MacOS device, you may be curious about how to password protect a zip file on mac. The procedure is a little complex and you can accomplish it only if you follow the steps carefully. If you are a beginner and trying it for the first time, you may find it even more difficult. Keep reading the article to understand how to password protect a zip file on mac.
ZIP Files: Introduction
You may have heard of a more common term “File compression”. It is actually referred to as ‘Zipping’. You can compress large files and folders to small size files and folders even retaining the quality of the contents.
Zipping files and folders is an easy process. Select the files you intend to zip, and right-click on them. Scroll down the options to find the ‘zip file’ choice. Remember, zip files are compressed files and when you encrypt them, it means they are password protected. You execute encryption when you intend to secure data files and want to share access only with associated people.
Anyone accessing the encrypted zip file will need to enter the password to unlock archived content. However, it is very easy to zip and unzip data files, but you may need to input effort for encrypted zip files. Keep reading to learn how to password protect a zip file on mac.
How to password protect a zip file on mac?
To encrypt the zip file on mac, you can try 2 popular methods. One way is to encrypt zip files without using third-party apps. In this case, you will need to manually enter commands into the macOS via Terminal. You may feel bored and difficult to use Terminal, more particularly if this is your first time. Again, let the worries be bygone and follow the step-by-step guide on how to password protect a zip file on mac via the Terminal.
- Launch the Terminal window: Locate the ‘Finder/Search’ tab. Search for Utilities and tap on the Terminal application icon. Another way to access the Terminal application is to press Cmd + Space bar and it will initiate a Spotlight search. In the search box, type ‘Terminal’.
- Configure the directory: After you have launched the ‘Terminal app, now set up the destination folder where you want to save the files and folders that are compressed and encrypted. Next, type ‘cd’ and the location of targeted files/folders. For example, you will type ‘cd downloads’ if your files and folders are stored in the Downloads Folder.
- Zip and encrypt the files: In the command window, type ‘zip-er FILENAME.zip’. Here, FILENAME will be replaced with the name of the encrypted compressed file of your choice. Next to this, add a space and drag the destination files/folders to the command window. Now press Return.
- Password-protect the file: If you have followed the above steps right, you will be prompted to type the password and verify it. You can enter the password you want to and again double tap Return. When you will be setting the password, you will not be able to see the type characters.
You are done with creating a zip file and encrypting it with the password. Now, locate the encrypted, compressed file on the set destination.
The other method of zipping and encrypting the files and folders is to use third-party applications like WinZip or others. It is advised to regularly use third-party apps for zipping and encrypting files if you need to do this often.
Take Away!
Using Terminal to compress and encrypt files on mac is a good way. Although, some of you may find it hectic, especially those who are new to the platform. So, you can try third-party apps for easy zipping and encryption.
