Sharing Information Securely
When working with security information you want to be able to keep it secure. In addition, you want
to be able to share it. Lots of ways exist to do this however, most are not easy, flexible, and free.
You want an easy solution to implement so that:
1. You will use it consistently
2. Others will use it consistently
You want a flexible solution to implement so that:
1. Everyone can use it (Windows, Mac, Linux)
You want a free solution:
1. This helps to make it easy and flexible.
2. We all like free.
Luckily there is 7-zip which is easy, flexible, and free.
The four steps for using 7-zip are the following:
1. Download and install 7-zip from https://7-zip.org
a. 7zip – Windows
2. Once installed (this is for Windows users)
a. Right click the file or folder and select 7zip -> Add to Archive
b. A menu should pop up and you should edit the Encryption section
c. Set the Encryption method: AES-256
d. Set the Enter password: to a strong password that is at least 12 characters.
e. Then click OK.
f. Your .7z file should be created in the same folder
g. Double check that the password works (this can save time in the future).
3. Sharing the password out-of-band. Out-of-band means by using a method other than the way you are sharing the file. It is assumed that most files will be shared by email, so you want to communicate the password in person, by text, or by phone.
a. Share the password by person, text, or phone if sending the file by email or posting to a shared folder.
b. Store the password in a password manager for future use.
4. Sharing the .7z file
a. Include it as an attachment to an email.
b. Do NOT include the password in an email. Refer to step three for how to share the
password.
In early 2023, 7-zip is one of the best tools to use to securely share information because it is easy, flexible, and free.