Choose the encryption format
Prefer 7Z AES-256 or ZIP AES that the recipient explicitly supports. Test on the actual receiving device when built-in extraction is required.
Create a strong password
Use at least 12 random characters or a longer passphrase made from unrelated words. Avoid names, dates, project terms, and reused account passwords.
Protect filenames
Basic password protection may still reveal names. Enable filename encryption when names and folder structure are sensitive.
Separate the channels
Never send the archive and password in one email or chat message. Deliver the file by email and the password by phone, text, or another service.
Verify before delivery
- Close and reopen the archive with the password.
- Run an integrity test and check file counts.
- Test extraction in the recipient environment.
- Keep a secure backup of the source data.
Download Bandizip
Use Bandizip for compression, extraction, encryption, and integrity testing.