encrypt files and folders is to use Windows’ built-in encryption

Question

Using,

https://www.avg.com/en/signal/how-to-password-protect-file-folder-in-windows

Built-in folder encryption

The easiest way to encrypt files and folders is to use Windows’ built-in encryption. Here’s how to encrypt files in Windows:

1

In case use this ^^ ... for a sensitive folder 📂 to secure it... but some sensitive files deleted already from this folder 📂 prior secure it with a password... can someone use recovery data methods to retrieve these files, even were in a secure folder... but made secure folder after delete them those files...?

2

Putting this hdd disk with secured folder 📂 in a Linux or macOS or non Windows system, the folder with sensitive files is still secure? Posted also here, https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-security/but-some-sensitive-files-deleted-already-from-this/74ce302f-fa7e-4822-98f0-2de2ef1cb789

Answer 1

@Leonidas Savvides Welcome to Microsoft Q&A Forum! You have reached Azure Storage explorer, This is issue is related to Windows Bit locker. This forum is dedicated for Azure product, You have posted you question in right forum as mentioned above (2). however let me share some insights on your query.

If you have deleted sensitive files from a folder and then encrypted the folder using Windows' built-in encryption, it is unlikely that someone can use recovery data methods to retrieve those files. When you delete a file, it is not immediately removed from the hard drive. Instead, the space that the file occupies is marked as available for use. However, when you encrypt a folder using Windows' built-in encryption, the contents of the folder are encrypted and cannot be accessed without the correct password.

If you put the hard disk with the encrypted folder in a Linux, macOS, or non-Windows system, the folder with sensitive files will still be secure as long as the encryption is not broken. Windows' built-in encryption uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm, which is a widely used and secure encryption algorithm.

However, it is important to note that encryption is not foolproof and there are ways to break encryption. For example, if someone gains access to your password or the encryption key, they can decrypt the folder and access the sensitive files. Therefore, it is important to use a strong password and keep it secure.

1. Recovery of Deleted Files from a Secure Folder:

If files were deleted from a folder before it was secured with encryption, the chances of recovering those deleted files depend on several factors:

Time Duration: The longer the time between deletion and encryption, the higher the chances that the deleted files might be recoverable using data recovery tools.

Overwriting: When you encrypt a folder, the encryption process involves changing the file structures. If new data is written to the disk after deletion, it might overwrite the sectors where the deleted files were stored, making recovery more challenging.

File Deletion Method: If the files were securely deleted using a tool that overwrites the data (such as with the "secure delete" option), it becomes more difficult to recover them.

2. Security of a Secured Folder on Different Operating Systems:

If you move a hard disk with a secured folder to a Linux or macOS system, the security of the folder largely depends on the encryption method used:

Windows BitLocker: If you used BitLocker (Windows' built-in encryption tool), accessing the encrypted folder on a non-Windows system would require compatibility with BitLocker. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, BitLocker is primarily designed for Windows environments.

Third-Party Encryption Tools: If you used a third-party encryption tool that offers cross-platform compatibility (like VeraCrypt), you might be able to access the secured folder on Linux or macOS as long as you have the appropriate decryption software installed on those systems.

Always keep your encryption tools and software up-to-date, as security features and compatibility may evolve over time.

Please let us know if you have any further queries. I’m happy to assist you further.

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