Steps for Sending Sensitive Data:
The following Instructions gives details on how to send sensitive data securely using the following steps:
1) Download 7 zip, (Instructions Below)
2) Create the zip file in 7 zip with a password and apply encryption(Instructions Below)
3) Call or text the recipient to give them the password to unlock file (Note: Do Not Send the Password through Email)
4) Attach file to be securely sent through email(ex. gmail)
Downloading 7 Zip:
7-Zip can password protect and encrypt any file you put in a zip folder, regardless of the file extension. 7 zip can be downloaded at the following link: https://www.7-zip.org/
How to Password Protect and Encrypt Files using 7-Zip
To set up a password for ZIP file, please follow the steps below (screen capture based on 7-Zip):
- Navigate to the 7-Zip download page which could be found here.
- Click the correct .exe for your operating system, and save it to your computer.
- Click “Install” then once it’s finished, click “Close.”
- Find the file you want to encrypt, right click it, navigate to 7-Zip>Add to archive…
- You will be presented with this screen.
- Change the archive format to “zip” to make your zip folder.
- Create a password for the document, re-enter it, then change the encryption method to AES-256, then press “OK.”
- A zip folder will then be created in the directory your file was in that is both encrypted and password protected with the password you gave it.
- Compose an email and attach the zipped and encrypted file and send to recipient.