# 7zip

> Use for tightly scoped archive creation, compression, and packaging during authorized pentests. Trigger on approved evidence packaging, transfer-size reduction, and validating whether archive controls or DLP-related assumptions affect the assessment.

- Skill: `timsonner/7zip` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add timsonner/7zip`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/timsonner/7zip/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- License: MIT
- Author: timsonner (https://skillmd.com/u/timsonner)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/timsonner/7zip

---


# 7-Zip

## Purpose

Use this skill for approved archive creation or packaging of limited assessment artifacts.

## Phase Fit

- Primary: Validation and Controlled Impact Demonstration
- Secondary: Reporting, Retest and Closure

## Use When

- Need to package approved assessment artifacts or evidence.
- Need to test whether archive handling affects an approved transfer path.
- Need a repeatable evidence-packaging workflow.

## Avoid When

- Archiving broader data than the approved proof path requires.
- Password-protected or staged archives are not explicitly approved.

## Inputs

- Approved file scope
- Archive format and retention requirements
- Transfer or reporting goal

## Procedure

1. Archive only the minimum approved file set.
2. Record exact archive format and options used.
3. Use the archive only for the approved reporting or validation objective.
4. Preserve or destroy the archive according to engagement rules.
5. Repeat the same packaging path during retest if needed.

## Command Syntax

Replace sample paths with approved in-scope files.

```bash
# Create an archive
7z a contoso-evidence.7z evidence/

# Create a password-protected archive
7z a -p'<password>' contoso-evidence.7z evidence/

# AES-256 encrypted archive (also encrypts file names)
7z a -p'<password>' -mhe=on contoso-evidence.7z evidence/

# Add specific file types
7z a contoso-docs.7z "C:\sensitive\*.docx" "C:\sensitive\*.xlsx"

# Split archive into 100 MB parts
7z a -v100m contoso-large.7z C:\large-folder\

# List archive contents
7z l contoso-evidence.7z

# Extract archive
7z x contoso-evidence.7z -o C:\temp\out\
```

## Evidence to Capture

- Exact file scope placed into the archive
- Archive format and options used
- Why packaging mattered to the assessment objective

## Safety Boundaries

- Keep archive scope minimal and approved.
- Protect archives as sensitive evidence when they contain assessment data.