How to password protect folder or drive used in windows network sharing?

Securely Protecting Shared Network Folders in Windows: A Guide to Password Protection Techniques

When managing multiple hard drives connected to an older computer within a Windows network environment, ensuring the security of stored data is paramount. Often, these drives are designated for various purposes such as media storage, backups, and transient or non-sensitive files. However, safeguarding specific folders or entire drives—especially when sharing over a network—can present challenges, particularly when sensitive or private information is involved.

The Challenge of Securing Shared Network Data

Consider a setup where three hard drives are configured and shared across a Windows network:

Drive 1: Media storage for a Plex server
Drive 2: Media backups
Drive 3: Transitory or non-essential files, some containing private or confidential data

While sharing these drives simplifies access, it raises security concerns. In particular, protecting the third drive, which contains mixed-sensitive files, is crucial. The goal is to implement a system that permits access to trusted users but restricts unauthorized viewing or modification.

Common Methods for Folder and Drive Security in Windows

Using Built-in Permissions:
Windows allows setting user-based permissions at the folder or drive level. This involves configuring access rights so only specific users or groups can access certain shared folders. However, this method relies on user accounts and passwords, which can be bypassed if multiple family members share accounts or if passwords are weak.
Password-Protecting Folders with Third-Party Software:
For more straightforward password protection—without complex permissions—third-party tools can be employed. These tools create encrypted containers or directly password-protect folders.
Encrypting with VeraCrypt:
VeraCrypt is a popular open-source encryption tool that creates secure, encrypted containers (virtual drives). You can store sensitive files within these containers, which require a password to mount and access.

Challenges with Encryption and Network Sharing

Encrypting data with VeraCrypt is effective for securing files on local disks. However, mounting VeraCrypt containers over network-shared drives can present difficulties:

Mounting Issues: Since VeraCrypt needs to “mount” the container as if it were a physical drive, accessing it over a network share often complicates the process.
Compatibility: Moving encrypted containers across network shares or attempting to mount them on a different machine can sometimes lead to access problems.