Want to password and encrypt contents in folder - can that be done?

I have about 600-900 photos, 60 documents and other business records. I've used PGP in the past though that seems like a lot of trouble for so many documents. I remember hearing about total encryption for the hard drive - some 3rd party programs and others. Is that what bitlocker is?

I do not mind encrypting the entire hard drive (it is a 2tb and is 3 days old, I just bought it). Right now I just use a passcode to log in. Essentially I just want to secure specific documents. I am "average tech savvy". So, I am not looking to over complicate this. While it is nothing over the top some of the information is customer geographic data, securing that is more important to me than my own.


Any suggestions which posts to read? Can I just get a program or app? Thank you! :)

Caledon Ken said:

Hi Tony.

I think you are going to get some different opinions about encrypting entire drive. I fall in the camp of "No". My thought is that for the average person this does make it to complicated and should something go wrong well that is it, no one is going to be able to unlock.

That said I do believe there is a place for encryption but if used make sure you have a good backup strategy and key management (document passwords and keep a copy somewhere else).

You could look at Veracrypt which is a descendant of Truecrypt. I still use Truecrypt as it meets my needs and no one I know could ever break in. I use it to keep select folders encrypted.

Veracrypt is free, open source meaning they invite audits on their code and encryption routines.

Basically you use Veracrpyt to create a virtual drive ( a block of space ), then you open that space (mount it) and then use it like you would any other drive in windows. When you are finished you dismount and close Veracrypt.

https://www.veracrypt.fr/en/Home.html

Others have said you can get some simple encryption using a compression tool like 7zip and placing a password on zipped file.

Perfect, I forgot their names. I remember Truecrypt because of Snowden, All the privacy advocates/orginizations in the USA and world telling me to use it. "The safer you are, the better we all are". I just never listened. I wish I did then I would not be so far behind the curve today. I think it is exactly what I needed... Just downloaded Veracrypt - ty.

Caledon Ken said:

Cool.

Think you will like it.

Says I have to spread the love. It is unfair you must have helped me with something else. not your fault you are helpful. I should be able to give more rep