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Lots of users save confidential information on their Macs. Private data needs to be protected and secured to prevent unwanted access and identity theft. Fortunately, Mac users have lot of possible encryption options nowadays (built in Mac OS tools and 3rd party encryption apps as well).
MEO File Encryption Software Encrypt and decrypt files and keep your data secure. MEO is easy file encryption software for Mac or Windows that will encrypt or decrypt files of any type. Protect sensitive data against unauthorized viewers with the latest data encryption technologies to keep your important documents safe and secure. With FileVault 2, your data is safe and secure — even if your Mac falls into the wrong hands. FileVault 2 encrypts the entire drive on your Mac, protecting your data with XTS-AES 128 encryption. And on Mac systems with an Apple T2 Security Chip, FileVault 2 keys are created and protected by the Secure Enclave for even more security.
Built Mac OS Disk Utility tool allows to protect your private files and create encrypted folder disk image. If user does not want to ecrypt the entire disk and enable filevault protection he/she may encrypt certain folder on the hard drive.
1. Open Disk Utility tool. In order to do this just click on Finder icon and select Go menu at the top. Choose Utilities from the drop down menu. In utilities folder look for Disk Utility icon (you can also press command + shift+ U and open Disk Utility in utilities folder).
2. Once you’ll open Disk Utility click on “File” menu at the top. Choose “New ” and select “Image from folder”
3. Select the folder you want to encrypt(in my case it is thunderzzz secret folder ) or create the new folder and add data containing confidential info there. Click on “Image”.
4. Type the name for encrypted disk image(in my case I call it “Encrypted disk image”) and select 128 or 256-bit encryption option. Click on “Save”.
5. Set up the password for encrypted image. Note: Save this password somewhere or write it down. In case you forget it you loose the access to all encrypted files inside the folder. This is probably the only drawback of this encryption option.
Next time you open this image double click on it. You’ll be prompted to type the password. Your files inside this disk image are protected.
There is also vast choice of third party encryption tools on the market. I have tested some of them on random basis.
Encryption Buddy
This tiny app allows user to protect and encrypt any type of files. Drag and drop the files you want to encrypt or protect with password to the application window. Create a password and click “Encrypt My Files”. It takes some time. In order to decrypt this file you should do almost the same. Easy as a pie. This app is available on the AppStore. You may find more info on developer’s website: http://gotoes.org/sales/Encryption_Buddy/index.php
MacFort
Encrypts and protects with password files, folders, applications and their associated files. It uses AES 128 or 256 bit encryption standard (you may use the same via Disk Utility ) There is no way to see encrypted files without MacFort app. If Mac is lost o stolen your private files remain protected. More info here:
MacKeeper
Despite the controversial reputation of this application on this forum, I have decided to test their built-in encryptor option and it worked pretty well for me. “Data Encryptor” makes encrypted files invisible. It enables two level security mechanism. Internal password to Data Encryptor itself and the password to the encrypted item. More info here: http://manual.mackeeper.com/features/data-encryptor/
CryptMe
The simplest text editor/viewer. Open the text editor. Paste or type sensitive info there. Click on the lock and the data is encrypted. Application uses the same 256 bit AES encryption standard. Application is compaible with Mac OS and iOS as well. Available on the App Store. More info here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cryptme/id445265455?mt=12
Encrypto
Cross platform application for Windows and Mac computers. Allows to share encrypted files with friends and send them via e-mail. You can also encrypt the file and and set up the hint. Hint is useful in case you forget the password. More info here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/encrypto-encrypt-files-you/id935235287?mt=12
It is up to you to decide whether use 3rd party encryption apps or perfect Disk Utility. In my opinion, Disk Utility is all you need. 3rd party apps are good for novice users, however they use the same AES 256-bit standard available via Disk Utility. You should set up the strong and easy to remember password. Good option is to write down password hints somewhere. Remember: In case you forget the password, you no longer have the access to the items inside the encrypted folder.
In this digital world, people have shifted their work on the web-platform. To keep your private and personal data secured from unauthorized person, there are numerous encryption software available for the PC systems and mobile phones. If you are using a Mac OS system, then you can choose from a variety of options available on the iTunes. In this article, we are going to review the latest FileVault 2 Encryption which is Apple’s personal Encryption Software.
Apple has recently redesigned their encryption scheme for the Mac users which is why all the Encryption Software have changed their software and their functionality to work with the latest Apple’s Scheme. Out of all the Encryption Software, FileVault 2 Considered as the best one for the Mac OS systems.
What is FileVault 2?
Contents
- What is FileVault 2?
FileVault 2 is a whole-disk encryption software which is redesigned by the developers. The previous edition has gained enough popularity in the digital platform. And now, we have a latest FileVault 2 Software for securing your Mac’s data from unauthorized persons.
The software encrypts the data on a Mac which helps you to prevent from unauthorized users. People who don’t have a decryption Key, will not be able to access through your system. It also asks the people for the account credentials.
How to enable FileVault 2 on a Mac OS?
Note: Before making any changes to your existing data or the system, make sure you take backup of your files and other data which is stored in your system. This helps you in restoring your data when something goes wrong with your system.
Step 1:
Go to the Applications folder from the Dock of your Mac system or from the Finder. Launch the Applications folder by clicking on its icon.
Step 2:
Now, click the System Preferences app from the menu.
Step 3:
From the Personal Section, you need to click on to Security and Privacy option.
Step 4:
In this section, you could see four different options from which, you need to select the FileVault option.
Step 5:
In the bottom left-corner, you would see the Lock button. Click on to this button using the Trackpad or Mouse.
Step 6:
Once you click the Lock button, you would be asked to enter an Administrator’s credentials I.e. your account’s username and password. Make sure you enter your Account’s Credentials from here.
Step 7:
After that, click on to the Unlock button.
Step 8:
The next page will show you Turn on FileVault button. You need to select this option.
Step 9:
Once you turn on the latest FileVault 2 on the Mac system, you will be displayed with a Recovery Key. This Key is needed to decrypt the hard drive encrypted by the FileVault 2 software.
Note: You need to manually enter this Key every time you need an access of the Hard Drive which is encrypted. Make sure you keep this Key stored at a safe place.
Step 10:
You can also keep it stored on the Apple’s Cloud and you will be asked whether to keep the password stored with Apple. You can select any option from here as per your requirements.
File Encryption Software Mac Os 10
Step 11:
At last, you will be prompt with a message asking for Restarting the system. Click on to the Restart button to make effective changes on your system.
This is how you can enable Apple’s latest encryption software FileVault 2. If you are working on a system which has critical data, you should use this scheme offered by Apple to safeguard your important data from other users.
FileVault 2 Availability
FileVault 2 is available for the Mac users who are running their systems on a recent edition of macOSs. If you are using an older version of macOS, then you will be able to use the first edition, FileVault which also does the same thing to your system.
Download FileVault 2
FileVault 2 comes as a built-in Software for the Mac systems, and you don’t need to download this software especially if you are using a latest version of the MacOS. This program is turned off by default and you have to enable it for encrypting the disk. Above-mentioned steps will help you out enabling this program.
- Overal
Best File Encryption For Mac
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