Just like the title says. I was hoping someone could direct me to documents/resources that show how to encrypt a zip file such that most (if not all) 3rd-party apps can open it.
I'm more interested in the security aspect rather than how to do it - any knowledge is welcome.
This is to casually protect files on my work computer (and network drive) from prying co-workers.
There aren't any big flaws in ZIPs password. There are tools that can crack a zip file password but they have to do it using brute force, usually starting with a dictionary attack. For protecting files locally or on a network, it should be fine as long as you pick a long enough password. I'd suggest using a phrase like 'givemelibertyorgivemedeath' or whatever. Long enough to make brute force attacks unfeasible but short enough to keep from being a pain to type everything you need to unlock a file.
WinZip has defined how to use AES encryption on zip entries.
It is a WinZip thing but many tools support WinZip's AES design, including InfoZip, WinRar (I think?), and DotNetZip. WinZip's approach has also been granted FIPS-197 certification.
It is much stronger than the old-style PKZIP "Weak" encryption.