1. Zip files first

zip [DESIRED_FILENAME] [FILE_TO_BE_ZIPPED]

If zipping a directory, include -r. Example:

zip -r directory.zip directory

2. Encrypt files with gpg

Encrypt files requiring password with the -c option. Default cipher used is AES128 but is upgraded here for ease-of-mind:

gpg -c --cipher-algo AES256 directory.zip

To retrieve the encrypted files:

gpg [ENCRYPTED_FILE]

Although the -d option decrypts the data, it only shows the output in the terminal as standard output, but keeps the original file intact.