How to Encrypt a Folder on Mac Using Disk Utility. Disk Utility can create an encrypted file known as a disk image. It is similar to a zip file, but it utilizes the strongest Mac encryption method. For example, this option is how I would add an encrypted folder to my Mac to keep an archive of past financial records.

Mac computers that have the Apple T2 Security Chip integrate security into both software and hardware to provide encrypted-storage capabilities. Data on the built-in, solid-state drive (SSD) is encrypted using a hardware-accelerated AES engine built into the T2 chip. This encryption is performed with 256-bit keys tied to a unique identifier within the T2 chip.

The advanced encryption technology integrated into the T2 chip provides line-speed encryption, but it also means that if the portion of the T2 chip containing your encryption keys becomes damaged, you might need to restore the content of your drive from a backup. This content includes system files, apps, accounts, preferences, music, photos, movies, and documents.

This open source encryption software supports several types of encryption and can be used with Windows, OS X, and Linus. This tool is useful in its ability to encrypt individual files, disk images, volumes, external drives, and connected media. 7-Zip. 7-Zip is free file archive software for Windows, OS X. Full Disk Encryption. Provides centrally-managed, full disk encryption using Windows BitLocker and Mac FileVault, taking advantage of the technology built into the operating systems. Seamlessly manage keys and recovery functions from the SafeGuard Management Center. Why Need to Encrypt Mac Files? All vital files stored inside a computer including Mac need to be.

Always back up your content to a secure external drive or other secure backup location so that you can restore it, if necessary. You should also turn on FileVault for additional security, because without FileVault enabled, your encrypted SSDs automatically mount and decrypt when connected to your Mac.

Make a backup

Set up Time Machine or another backup method to regularly back up your Mac to a secure external source.

Files that you store in iCloud Drive, as well as photos and videos that you store in iCloud Photo Library, are automatically uploaded to iCloud. When you use iCloud Photo Library, full-resolution photos and videos are stored on your Mac by default and included in a Time Machine backup. If you choose to optimize iCloud Photo Library on your Mac, the full-resolution originals are not included in a Time Machine backup.

Turn on FileVault

Though the SSD in computers that have the Apple T2 Security Chip is encrypted, you should turn on FileVault so that your Mac requires a password to decrypt your data.

To turn on FileVault, follow these steps:

Choose Apple menu () > System Preferences, then click Security & Privacy.
Click the FileVault tab.
Click , then enter an administrator name and password.
Click Turn On FileVault.

By Gina Barrow, Last updated: April 24, 2020

Macintosh Hd Encrypted Disk

Encryption is the safest and best way to protect data as it encodes a certain file or information in such a way that only authorized users or those with passwords can access. Information including bank details, sensitive personal records should be encrypted to avoid data theft.

Computer operating systems have built-in encryption features but these provide easy to medium form of security and still prone to expert hackers. You need to invest in encryption software if it is a requirement for your type of usage. Here are the top 5 best encryption software for Macin 2020. Check out which one works for your needs.

Part 1. Why Need to Encrypt Mac Files?

All vital files stored inside a computer including Mac need to be encrypted for security purposes. If you happen to hear, watch, and read the news, there are reported cases of stolen identities and bank information due to unsecured files saved inside people’s stolen laptops and computers.

To avoid such hassle, you can rely on encryption software for Mac but the main concern here is what the best software to use is.

Part 2. Apple’s Encryption Software for Mac for free

If you are concerned about data privacy and your Mac contains sensitive information that must be kept personal, then you should use encryption. Apple has its own encryption software that users can utilize for free. There are actually different ways on how to encrypt files on Mac.

Encryption via Disk Utility

Use the spotlight search and type in Disk Utility. You can also go to Utilities under Applications.
Go to File on the topmost tools and hover to New Image then click on Image from Folder
Select the folder you wish to encrypt from the newly popped-up window
Rename the file you want to encrypt and go to the bottom part where you can set the encryption settings
You can choose between the 128 and the 256-bit. (The higher the encryption the better but it takes slower time to complete request)
Once you have selected your encryption method, you need to provide and verify your password. (Note: Remember your password because it will never grant you access to the given folder until the correct password is supplied). Click Choose.
For the Image format, you can choose compressed.
Wait until the encryption is completed.

This type of encryption affects the folder and its file contents so anytime you wish to open the folder and the files inside, you need to provide the password.

You can now see a new Archive folder on the desktop which was the same file you encrypted
You can delete the old folder to remove any access to it

People Also ReadHow to Clean up A MacHow Do You Speed Up Your Mac?

Use FileVault

FileVault is full-disk encryption that uses XTS-AES-128 encryption with a 256-bit key to preventing unauthorized access to your personal information on the startup disk. Basically, you won’t be able to go through Mac unless you provide the password.

The FileVault2 is available in OS X Lion and later versions. All you need to take advantage of this feature is to turn on FileVault in your Mac. Here’s how:

Go to Security & Privacy under System Preferences
Click the FileVault tab and click on the lock icon
Enter the administration username and password
Turn on FileVault

If you are using multiple users on Mac, you can enable each user and type in their assigned password.

Print to PDF

Another file encryption method in Mac is the Print to PDF wherein you can do the security lock on the print window itself after creating or editing certain file/s.

Disk Encryption For Macbook

Go to Print
Choose PDF
Click Save as PDF
Before saving it, go to Security Options
Check the box for your desired password security measures
Don’t forget to verify the password and click Save

Part 3. The Best Encryption Software for Mac in 2020

In the sea of many software and applications, there seems to be plenty of programs dedicated to single-use or single-function. They are good because they focus on one solution, however, they also cost more expensive.

If you browse thoroughly, you will discover that there are a few applications that offer sets of operations and toolkits specially designed for Mac. FoneDog PowerMyMac - Cleaner provides comprehensive modules dedicated