| A password can be used to protect the contents of | | | | the files that are stored within the archive, and it has |
| a Rar file, which is a compressed file format. The | | | | to be typed when the files are extracted later, either |
| user-defined password is used to encrypt the file | | | | collectively or individually. |
| using a strong AES-128 standard encryption algorithm. | | | | On the other hand, the password can be set when |
| Anyone trying to extract the contents of the Rar file | | | | the files are selected and added to the archive using |
| needs to supply the correct password that was used | | | | the "Archive name and parameters" dialog box. This |
| for encryption. If the person fails to supply a | | | | dialog box has an "Advanced" options tab through |
| password or types in a wrong password, they | | | | which a password can be set. Either a single |
| cannot extract the contents of the Rar file. | | | | password can be set for a collection of files or each |
| It is important for the user to remember the | | | | file can be set with its own individual password by |
| password used to encrypt the file so that the same | | | | adding them one at a time. |
| password can by rightly used to extract the | | | | Passwords usually encrypt the data stored within the |
| contents of the file later. If a user forgets the | | | | individual files. But there is also an option to encrypt |
| password, there is almost no way of retrieving the | | | | the filenames themselves so that even the very |
| contents of the Rar file. The encryption methodology | | | | contents of a Rar file are hidden from view, and |
| used is so strong that even the author of the Rar | | | | without supplying the proper password one cannot |
| utility cannot decrypt the file once it is password | | | | even see what files are stored within the archive. |
| protected. | | | | Rar file passwords are a very effective way to keep |
| Password protection can be applied at two levels. A | | | | the data within the file secure and inaccessible to |
| default password can be specified at the very | | | | unauthorized persons. At the same time, passwords |
| beginning before individual files are selected to be | | | | have to be used with extreme care because once |
| loaded into the archive. The "File" menu has a "Set | | | | the user forgets the password, the contents of that |
| default password" command through which this kind | | | | Rar file can almost never be extracted. |
| of a password can be set. This password controls all | | | | |