Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal offer end-to-end encryption for your conversations, the text, photos, videos, and files you exchange may not remain private after they reach the recipient’s device. If you need to share confidential information that requires an extra layer of security, there are ways to protect your private message files on both Windows and Mac computers.
Store in password manager
Another way to secure message files is by storing them inside a password manager, which keeps all your passwords and private data encrypted behind one master password. Both Windows and Mac computers have built-in password managers. On Windows 10 and 11, you use the Credential Manager to create encrypted storage for private text files. Just go to Settings > Accounts > Password & Security > Add/Manage Credentials, and add a new Windows Credential with your file. On Macs, the Keychain Access manager lets you create encrypted password items to store any private data behind your login password. Open Keychain Access, go to File > New Password Item, names it, add your info, and set security options.
Use privacy-centered online tools
For ultra-secure online transfer and storage, use tools designed to auto-encrypt and auto-delete messages:
- PrivNote- This free online service lets you encrypt text snippets or files behind a user-set password. You get a link to send to the recipient, but PrivNote deletes the data after it’s viewed once.
- Private Message Box-Here you securely store encrypted messages and files behind a master password. It auto-deletes them after they are accessed. Share via generated links.
- Secure Server– This paid service offers a private online space to store encrypted messages and files. You control how long they are available before auto-deletion.
These tools remove access after the intended recipient views the data, ensuring it won’t be compromised in the future. how to private message? The encrypted link also keeps the information private in transit.
Store in veracrypt hidden container
VeraCrypt is a free, open-source disk encryption tool for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It lets you create encrypted containers that work just like virtual encrypted drives when mounted. VeraCrypt has a hidden container feature that lets you hide an encrypted volume within another encrypted volume. You secretly store private message files here behind a separate password. Just make sure to use the “hidden” volume when saving your confidential data.
Built-in archiving tools
Both Windows and Mac operating systems have built-in archiving utilities you use to password protect and compress private message files:
- On Windows- Select your text file, right-click, and go to Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder. This creates a password-protected Zip file.
- On Mac- Right-click your file and select Compress. It makes a password-protected archive. Make sure to select encryption and set a strong password.
