But first of all, I must say that I scare of data corruption due to bad sector data loss on HDD.
I don’t want to lose all data because of just a single byte loss etc.
If some bad sector occurs, I want to lose just some pixels/letters etc, not entire archive.
So, what is the best way to store files with password protection?
Is zip enough? Or should I use tar + gpg? Or something else?
Yes, my plan is copying archives to two different HDD’s. Is it enough to protect from loss/corruption?
And in this case, is zip enough? Or should I use tar? I dont know which algorithm/program is better for protection from loss. Just I dont want to lose all data due to single bad sector.
In my case, I’m looking for more suitable / portable solution because I will backup files two different HDD’s. So I just want to know which archive algorithm better about rescue from bad sector
There’s no absolute best, there’s only better.
What is good enough for you may be not enough for someone else.
2 backups is better than 1 backup, which is better than no backups.
Independent storage for each backup is better than common storage for all backups, which is better than the same storage for both originals and backups that can barely be considered as backup.
That’s why compared to a real backup, file systems like Btrfs just slightly improve reliability.
Compression can help you save space at the cost of time.
Depending on the size and type of data, sometimes it’s worth making a deal, sometimes not.
Compression level and algorithm mostly depends on use case and personal preferences.
I’m lack of information about this: I believe (believe, not know), if I compress files, and if bad sector occurs; archive won’t decompress because it lost some bytes etc. So I prefer directly store without compress.
Compression can be considered as an additional layer of data obfuscation.
Thus, theoretically it should make data recovery more difficult.
However recovering damaged encrypted data is no easy task in any case.
For me you are thinking in the wrong direction: the only thing you can do is to buy high quality hardware and monitor the SMART values of your storage regulary. Modern high-end hardware has also self-repair options and so you have the chance to save your data timely. Compressed or not compressed is not so important, encryption protects your privacy. Periodical backups are absolutely necessary. Using the proper filesystem is also a sound ground for healthy data. The strategy to using your hardware in a safe way is crucial. Avoid cheap and nasty hardware.
As @heliosstyx said, good quality storage devices used for backup would be best. I suspect your fears about data loss with a single byte or sector loss may be related to the antiquated use of tape storage which were definitely subject to loss.
Current technology with use of raid, backup to redundant HDDs stored separate from the original, etc. makes the loss of data on a copy of much less concern.
Have a good backup plan, follow it, monitor the status of devices used for the backup, and everything should be ok.