I have some files I would like to backup to a CD or DVD, in such a way that it is only possible to read the contents after providing a password. What is the best way to accomplish this? What is the strongest (speed not important) encryption standard for this purpose?

I could encrypt the files first, then burn them. What relatively easy to use tools are best for this approach? Is it better to encrypt files individually or encrypt them all together into a single file? Compression/size is not important, but would it be wise to put the files into an archive first, and then encrypt the archive?

Is there a special CD/DVD burning program with encryption, or a plugin?

Bonus (not necessary): I'd like to be able to read files directly off the CD, without having to copy them (or the whole contents, in case they are encrypted into a single file) to the hard drive first. Thanks for any help!

here is something to get you started:

http://freehackers.org/~tnagy/misc/E...kup-howto.html