The ETS2 game engine ignores this encryption bit. This allows the game to read and run the mod perfectly fine while users are blocked from opening it manually.
If you are looking to interact with these files, the following resources are frequently used in the community: Password encrypted-protected mods - Page 9 - SCS Software 04-Mar-2013 — password encrypted file euro truck simulator 2 link
If you are prompted for a password within the game interface rather than an archive file, it is likely one of the following: Password encrypted-protected mods - Page 9 - SCS Software The ETS2 game engine ignores this encryption bit
Best practices (for creators/shareers)
Many modders encrypt their work to prevent "leaking" or unauthorized editing of their 3D models and textures. The existence of password-encrypted files in the ETS2
The existence of password-encrypted files in the ETS2 modding community is largely a result of creator rights and content preservation. Modding is a labor of love, requiring hundreds of hours of 3D modeling and coding. When creators share their work, they often face the issue of "mod stealing," where third parties re-upload content without permission or credit. To combat this, creators sometimes lock their files behind passwords, distributing the code only to trusted community members or via their private Discord servers. In this context, a password-encrypted file acts as a digital rights management tool, protecting the integrity of the modder's work and ensuring that the community recognizes the original source.