How to encrypt files in OneDrive for business? How to encrypt data before storing it in the cloud? This guide covers the step-by-step guides for encrypting files on OneDrive with Personal Vault and file encryption software.
Cybersecurity has always been an important topic. The safety and storage of digital data often worry people today because the amount of data is increasing every day.
It is hard for internal hard disks to store and protect the mammoth amount of data that you are producing daily. Considering this problem, Microsoft has introduced an internet-based storage platform called OneDrive.
Anyone with a Microsoft account gets a free OneDrive storage space. It’s like your personal hard drive but on the cloud.
As of now, Microsoft provides 5 GB of free OneDrive space. However, one can anytime upgrade to 50 GB for $2/month. In fact, OneDrive offers 1 TB storage space free to Office 365 subscribers.
To OneDrive users, Microsoft offers two-factor authentication security and many other features to secure their data, such as:
Overall, OneDrive can protect your data using many advanced security features. But if you want to encrypt your files on OneDrive, you will get a robust encryption option called Personal Vault. It is a secure place that can safeguard your important files with a strong security system.
So, let’s understand the OneDrive Personal Vault feature in-depth and how you can better encrypt files on OneDrive.
OneDrive Personal Vault is exactly what its name suggests. It is a secured area in OneDrive that you can access with a robust authentication or identity verification like face recognition, fingerprints, PIN, etc. It is your personal space on OneDrive that you can’t share with anyone.
OneDrive Personal Vault offers an extra security layer to keep your files safe and secure on the cloud. This feature is available for both OneDrive desktop and mobile users.
Here are some benefits of using Personal Vault on OneDrive:
Personal Vault indeed has numerous great security features. Also, if you get paid Office 365 Personal or Home plan, you will get unlimited OneDrive Personal Vault space to encrypt your files.
Further, Personal Vault works on Windows 10, iPhone, iPad, Android, and even on the OneDrive web version.
So, to use Personal Vault to encrypt your files, you simply have to follow these steps:
Step 1. Launch your OneDrive folder > click the "More" button and navigate to the Personal Vault folder.
Step 2. First-time users need to add User Account Control authorization to enable Personal Vault that's because of BitLocker features. So, follow a small setup wizard to get Personal Vault running for you.
Step 3. Click on the "Allow" button to complete the setup process.
Step 4. Now, confirm your Microsoft account password, click on the Sign-in button and follow the on-screen directions.
Step 5. You can now add files to your Personal Vault folder. Once the folder is locked, you will be prompted for an authentication setup, the one you have selected to open the folder.
OneDrive Personal Vault is a simple and easy way to encrypt your files. But if you can't ignore the fact that cloud storage has some security concerns or can't trust OneDrive security methods, you should opt for an extra security layer.
Using professional encryption software, you can first encrypt your files and then store them on OneDrive. This way, you can enjoy OneDrive security and space features without worrying about your data protection.
Today, you will find many encryption software online, but the best one is EaseUS LockMyFile. This software can hide, lock, corrupt and do so much more for you.
EaseUS LockMyFile is a legacy program that can effectively protect your files before storing them on OneDrive. The best thing about this program is it is stored on your computer. Thus, you won't have to worry about anyone accessing your data except you.
Additionally, the EaseUS LockMyFile offers many ultra-advanced file encryption and security features, such as:
Once you use EaseUS LockMyFile to encrypt your files before uploading them on OneDrive, it will offer extra security features to you. So, here use these simple steps to encrypt your files using EaseUS LockMyFile.
Step 1. Enter "easeus" to launch EaseUS LockMyFile, register with a valid email and a license code.
Step 2. Click File Encryption under More Tools > Click Add Files or Add Folders.
Step 3. Select important files or folders that you need to encrypt, and click Open.
Step 4. Select the encryption mode: Encrypt to gfl or Encrypt to exe.
Step 5. Browse a safe location on your PC, rename the encrypted file or folder, and click Save to save the encrypted files/folders.
OneDrive has numerous other security features to protect your files, such as:
OneDrive is a good cloud storage system to store your files securely online. Using Personal Vault first, you can gain additional security support on OneDrive.
However, if you don't trust cloud storage services, you should get EaseUS LockMyFile. This software is installed on your computer and works offline. Further, it can encrypt your files, folders, drives, and even a whole hard disk.
Therefore, you should first encrypt your files with EaseUS LockMyFile and then store them on OneDrive. It's always better to be cautious than sorry.
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