Use a ZIP tool that supports encryption

Select the files you want to compress

Choose the option to create a ZIP archive

Set a password when prompted

Choose AES-256 encryption if available

Save the password-protected ZIP file

Verify the ZIP by reopening it and entering the password

On Windows with 7-Zip

Right-click the files

Select 7-Zip

Select Add to archive

Set Archive format to ZIP

Enter a password in Encryption

Select AES-256

Click OK

On macOS with Terminal

Open Terminal

Use a ZIP command that supports encryption

Enter the password when prompted

Save the encrypted ZIP file

On Linux with zip

Open Terminal

Run the zip command with encryption enabled

Enter and confirm the password

Check that the ZIP file opens only with the password

Use a strong password

Share the password separately from the ZIP file

Keep a backup copy of the original files