Encryption
Encryption helps keeps data private by converting it to an unreadable format. Only people who have the encryption key are able to decrypt the data.
Encrypting files
- To encrypt individual files, we recommend using 7-Zip – ensure that you use AES-256 for the encryption method.
- This can be downloaded from swdb.ucl.ac.uk.
- Detailed instructions including screenshots.
Encrypting emails
- There is no single ideal method for encrypting emails, so we recommend that you encrypt individual files (see section above).
- It is also possible to use public key encryption with the Mozilla Thunderbird client, which only works with recipients who also have it set up.
- For further information, see ISG advice.
Encrypted USB sticks
- The Information Security Group recommends DataShur hardware-encrypted USB sticks.
- They are easy to use, and work with all operating systems.
UCL digifest 