Is it Safe to Encrypt Data with WinZip, 7Zip or RAR?
17 December 2019John Weaver Senior Program Developer
Summary We are concerned about convenience and security of file compression software. Is it safe to encrypt files with the compression software, such as WinZip? Are the compression formats trouble-free? We will answer these questions in this essay.
Part 1: About File Compression and Data Encryption
There are two types of compression, lossless compression and lossy compression. Through the specific coding, the repeated data will be removed for the reduction of the file size. For example, the binary code “000000” can be changed to be “six zeros”, which is one of the ways to reduce the file size.
Data encryption is a way to transfer plaintext (or original data) to ciphertext (password-protected data) through the encryption algorithms and key. At present, data encryption is still a reliable and safe way to prevent the computer’s information from being exposed.
Hot Topic - ADsBest Partner for Data Protection - Encrypt Files and Prevent Unauthorized Data Copy
Quick encryption Encrypt files in virtual disk promptly and support to save files at any time.
Easy to use Support to hide itself in safe, simple operation on the clear interface.
Control data transfer Support to set white list and disable USB ports, network, CD
Well protection Utilize the AES256 algorithms and support to encrypt various files in the private format.
Comprehensive play for encryption Protect USB devices and password wallet; hide/disguise files; support to record operations on USB.
Quick encryption Encrypt files in virtual disk promptly and save files at any time.
Easy to use Support to hide itself in safe, simple operation on the clear interface.
Well protection Utilize the AES256 algorithms and support to encrypt various files in private format.
RAR, fully known as Roshal Archive, belongs to recoverable compression (or, lossless compression). The private encryption algorithm ensures the safety. Meanwhile, since the compression ratio is better than that of WinZip, RAR can reduce much storage space. However, the high compression ratio also means the slow processing.
WinZip
WinZip was originally named as Deflate, which is one of the common compression software. Microsoft Corporation has supported the format of WinZip since the operation system Windows ME. After that, it has been widely spread. But, we should know that the WinZip archive cannot be repaired.
7-ZIP
7-Zip is the open-source file compression software. The format has no limit of copyright and the ratio of compression and decompression is better than that of RAR. However, the compressed files are not smaller than that of 7-Zip.
Part 3: How to Encrypt and Compress Files with File Compression Software
1. WinZip
WinZip is the file compression software applicable to Microsoft Windows. Since it is connected with Windows File Explorer, it can directly manage files stored in the computer.
After installing WinZip, you can click [Encrypt] on the pane and then select the target file to compress. After that, you should set a password in the pop-up dialog. Finally, save and compress the file.
Limit: The compression ratio is not high, so the compressed file is still large.
We all know that the quality software should include clear functions and well usage experience. It is suggested that you try Renee SecureSilo. Clear functions and easy operations are advantages of this software.
2. WinRAR
WinRAR is a tool for compressed file management. It is quiet safe because the encryption algorithm of RAR archives is private. Besides, it is compatible with the format of WinZip.
After installing WinRAR, you can open the software and click [Add] to select the target file. After that, you continue to select the compression format and set a password. Finally, you can compress and encrypt the file.
Limit: It takes a long time to compress the compressed files in large size. Ads pop up in the window.
If you only want to encrypt files, you can use Renee SecureSilo. This software can help you skip the process of compression/decompression. Besides, it can manage the USB flash drive, which can protect data transfer and payment security.
3. 7-Zip
7-Zip is the open software which can be used in different operation systems. With application of LZMA and LZMA2, 7-Zip has high compression ratio. The overall operations are easy, too.
After installing 7-Zip, you can open the software and add the target file into it. Then, you can continue to select the compression format and set a password to encrypt the file.
Limit: The format is open and public, so the file compressed by the software can be cracked down easily.
Data security is critical to encryption. We strongly recommend that you use Renee SecureSilo to encrypt files. With the AES 256 (the advanced encryption standard), it can encrypt files and ensure the data security.
Part 4: Decrypt Encrypted Files
Since the compression format is public, lots of decryption software has been designed. Although they are used to help those who have forgotten the passwords, it is improved that the common compression software is not safe enough. Here is a piece of decryption software for you.
Advanced RAR Password Recovery
ARPR is the decryption software applicable to files compressed by WinZip and WinRAR. This powerful software offers various ways to crack passwords.
Part 5: Use Renee SecureSilo to Encrypt
Renee SecureSilo is the professional encryption software. Users can create virtual disks in which they can place files and folders.
Convenient to modify – Renee SecureSilo encrypts files by creating new virtual disk into which users can place files. Unlike the RAR/Zip/7Zip compressed archives, the files saved in Renee SecureSilo can be modified easily, without any need to wait.
Well protection – Due to the private format of the virtual disk and the AES256 algorithm, the encrypted files cannot be cracked down.
Well safety – It can disguise files to be the other file types, skipping the malicious scan. Besides, users can close all virtual disks by one click, which can make your files undiscoverable.
Renee SecureSilo – Encrypt Confidential Data
Encrypt files in seconds Encrypt files with virtual encrypted disk and whole process can be finished in 1 second.
User friendly Concise interface helps users master the software in short time.
2. Enter the password to open the software. If you are a new user, you should set the password.
3. Click [Encrypt Files] > [Create Silo] to create a virtual disk.
4. Name the virtual disk and set the storage position. Then, click [Next].
5. Set a password for the virtual disk and click [Next].
6. Choose a range of the disk size and click [Next]. Soon, an encrypted folder will be created.
We can place files into the virtual disk to protect them. Compared with the file compression software, it skips the process of compression and save time. How can we unlock this folder?
Right-click at the target folder and select [Open]. Then, enter the password in the pop-up dialog and click [Open] to unlock.
Part 6: Summary
From the above introduction, we can see that the encrypted archives should be decompressed if you want to modify the inside files. For those large files, the process is time-consuming. If the files should be used frequently, you can use Renee SecureSilo to skip the process of compression and decompression but your files will be still protected well.
