Computing & Information Services
Cross-Platform Encryption
An encrypted archive created on a Mac using Disk Utility cannot be opened easily in Windows. Similarly, an encrypted archive created using BCArchive cannot be easily opened on a Mac.
To create encrypted archives that can be opened both in Mac OSX and in Windows, we recommend a commercial application called Stuffit. This software allows for a similar user experience in OSX and in Windows - while assuring that encrypted archives created in OSX can be opened in Windows (and vice versa).
Acquiring and installing Stuffit
Head to stuffit.com, where you can download the latest version of Stuffit Standard for your operating system (Stuffit Deluxe contains extra functionality which is not needed for creating encrypted archives). Although the software is not free, it comes with a time-limited trial.
Configuring DropStuff
In Mac OSX: First, navigate to your Applications/Stuffit folder. Open the "DropStuff" application. In the toolbar at the top of the DropStuff app, click on Zip, and then put a check in the Encrypt Archives checkbox.
In Windows: Open the Start Menu, navigate through All Programs to the Stuffit folder. Click on "DropStuff". Right click in the Zip area of the DropStuff app, and select Encrypt During Compress.
Creating an encrypted archive
In OSX or in Windows, it's now easy to create a cross-platform encrypted archive. First, gather all the files you want encrypt in an archive, and put them in one folder on your desktop. Now drag that folder into the Zip area of the open DropStuff application. You'll be asked to set and verify a password for the archive. Once you click OK, your encrypted archive is created and placed on your desktop. If your folder of documents was called MyFolder, then your encrypted archive will be called MyFolder.zip.
Note: You can attach an encrypted archive to an email just as you would attach any other file. Remember, though, that you'll also need to relay the archive password to the recipient. Whatever you do, don't include the password in the text of a message, along with the attached encrypted archive!
