I encryp my files before uploading them on the cloud. The reason for this is that cloud services promise safety, but they are not impenetrable. After seeing many high-profile violations, I developed my encryption routine that gives me peace without renouncing convenience.
Cloud storage is not as safe as you think
I was confident that my files were completely safe in the cloud. Before I learned about many data violations that affect the largest providers. Cloud storage companies make big promises about security, but reality is less confident.
Your files are stored on a huge server controlled by someone else, and you are confident that “someone else” with your personal information. Regardless of transit and during encryption during rest, your data is often dec When a popular antivirus app was caught selling data, it completely changed my view on digital secrecy.
I have completely stopped relying on free cloud storage for my photos. When service is free, you are not a customer but products. Your data can be analyzed to train AI model for marketing purposes or without your knowledge.
Even password managers such as Lastpass faced data violations, proving that nothing is completely safe online. So I always encrypted sensitive documents before uploading on the cloud. These include financial records, scanned ID documents, individual magazines and passwords or personal information.
After trying several encryption solutions, I have settled on two reliable equipment that balance safety with ease of use. Like all, I want protection without complexity – because let’s face it, if it is very complex, I will eventually be lazy and leave the encryption completely.
VERACRYPT: For my most sensitive files
Verakrypt has become my Go-Two tool for serious encryption needs. It is completely independent, open-sources and regularly audited by security experts. What I like the most is that it makes an encrypted container that appears regularly as files until you unlock them with your password.
I mainly use Verkrypt to be afraid to see the leaks, scanned my financial documents, scanned. Encryption is a military-grade, which means whether someone has stolen my laptop or hacked my cloud account, they will need a lot of time to break my files.
download: Verycrypt (Free)
When you download and install Verakrypt from their website (always verify the download signature). Here is described how to encrypted files with Verkript:
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Launch Verchript and click Create volume To start the volume Creation Wizard.
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choose Create an encrypted file container Choose more Standard Verchript Volume,
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Choose to store your container file and give it a name.
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Select your encryption algorithm (I use AES) and Hash Algorithm (SHA-512).
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Set your volume size depending on the need to store you.
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Then set a strong password and select the file system (NTFs for large volumes, fat for small people).
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Encryption move your mouse to the window randomly to generate randomness.
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Tare the volume and wait for the completion.
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Mount the newly created volume and draw files like any regular drive.
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Anamount when everything is finished to close.
After embellishing the volume, you can upload the container to the cloud. The first time I set it, it took about five minutes, but now it takes just a minute to make new containers. This approach is useful when I need to share sensitive files.
Connected
How to encryp a Windows System Drive with Verchript
Here is reported how to keep your Windows drive or partition safe using the encryption of Verkript.
7-Zip: For quick encryption functions
I turn to the 7-Zip when I need to encrypse individual files or folders quickly. This is not particularly an encryption tool because it is primarily a file compression utility, but its AES -256 encryption implementation is solid and easy to use. The biggest advantage is that if you have to share an encrypted file, recipients do not require a special 7-zip; Most collection managers can open encrypted zip files (although they will still need your password).
download: 7-zip (Free)
It uses minimal resources and integrates with the right-click reference menu on Windows. 7-Zip is perfect for accelerated encryption functions that do not install a full verchript container. Here is my process for encrypting files with 7-zip:
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Right-click the files or folders you want to encrypted and select 7-zip From the reference menu.
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Click Addition in collection And choose your collection format (usually .7Z works well).
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Set the encryption method to AES-256 and enter a strong password (and don’t forget it because there is no recovery option!).
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check Encrypt file name If you want to hide the names of your files, and click Ok,
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If there is sensitive information, safely delete the original files.
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Upload the encrypted archives on cloud storage or share via email.
Both devices have served me well in various scenarios. Varacript Excel for large collection of files, while 7-JIP is my quick solution for one-off encryption needs or when I need to share encrypted files with others.
This is how I access my encrypted files in devices
Encrypting files is only half the battle – you need to easily access them in your equipment. I switch between Windows and Android all day, so whenever I need them, I need to keep my sensitive files safe and accessible.
Acripting the files encrypted for my Windows machines is straightforward since the work and 7-zip work. The real challenge comes with Android, where these desktop equipment do not work at all the same way.
On Android, I use Zarchiver to reach my 7-ZIP encrypted archives. It handles password-protected zip and 7Z files without a bottleneck, allowing me to see encrypted files on Go.
download: Zarchiver for Android , IOS (Free)
Just remember that once you remove the files on your phone, they are no longer encrypted, so I am careful to remove them after seeing them. Here is my specific workflow:
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Make files using 7-zip on my Windows PC and encryp.
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Store the encrypted archive in my cloud storage folder.
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Reach the cloud storage app on my Android device.
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Download the encrypted archive if needed.
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Open it with zarchiver and enter my password.
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Look or edit the files as required.
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If I make changes, I encrypted again and upload them back to cloud storage.
The situation is complicated with verycrypt containers on mobile. While some apps claim to open verchript volume on Android, I have found them related to incredible or safety approach. Instead, for those files that I know that I will need on my phone, I specifically use the 7-jip method.
An important habit that I have developed keeps my encrypted archives organized by appropriate shape and subject. Instead of having a large -scale encrypted volume with everything, I maintain many small containers. It sinking rapidly and means that I only need to download what is relevant when I am on mobile data.
To avoid general encryption mistakes
Despite my best efforts, I have noticed many common disadvantages that can also reduce the strongest encryption setup. The most dangerous mistake is using weak password – no encryption is safe if your password is “password 123” or your pet name. I use a password manager for all my accounts, and make unique and complex passwords.
Another frequent error is failing to safely remove the original unnovated files. When you encryps something, the original remains on your disc until you remove it exclusively. You can use a safe deception tool that transfers data several times.
Connected
Using this free app completely remove any Windows file
Say goodbye to unnecessary files for good.
Do not leave the encrypted volume while step away from your computer. When you are not actively using them, always close or close the encrypted containers.
If you are serious about bringing back your privacy, remember that encryption is only strong as your implementation. Avoiding these mistakes will protect your sensitive data. Encrypt your files before uploading them on the cloud adds an additional step to your workflow, but this is a habit that you should never leave.
