- Mac Os File Encryption
- Encrypt Files Mac Os
- Encrypt Files Mac App Installer
- Encrypt Files Mac App Windows 10
- How To Encrypt A Mac
Concealer is a file encryption program specifically for Apple Mac computers. Rather than encrypt all files on your harddrive, instead it provides an encrypted area for you to drag files into. ALSO READ HOW TO: Easily Encrypt/Decrypt Folders on a Mac and A Quick Look At VeraCrypt Encryption Tool. Type openssl enc -aes-256-cbc -e -in.path-to-file-you-want-to-encrypt.out.path-to-where-the-encrypted-file-will-be-saved. NOTE: You can drag and drop the file you want to encrypt instead of manually typing in the. Encrypt Files on Mac using Disk Utility. We all have files saved on our Mac that we don’t want other people to see or gain access to; these files may include your bank details, personal records, and other important notes. Good thing we can easily encrypt these files on Mac using the Disk Utility.
By Gina Barrow, Last updated: April 24, 2020
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.
- 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 to Mac OS. It has three powerful modules: Toolkit, Status, and Cleaner.
Inside FoneDogPowerMyMac-Cleaner Toolkit, there is a robust function called Hide and Encrypt Files. This feature allows you to create a password-protected folder and store sensitive files in it by drag and drop. It lets you turn on and off in case you may not use the feature.
- User-friendly
- Free download version
- Auto-lock setup
- Uses the safest encryption system
How cool is that? This program has made an easier way to protect you from possible data theft.
Part 4. Other Mac Encryption Tools
Apart from FoneDog PowerMyMac-Cleaner, there is other top performing software that also provides convenience and security.
Hider 2
Hider2 has the ability to hide and encrypt data on your Mac securely including notes, documents, photos, etc. One of its positive scores is the user-friendly interface which suits beginner to average users.
- Provides auto-lock feature when the user is inactive or idled
- Uses AES-256 encryption for the safest system
Cisdem AppCrypt
Cisdem AppCrypt offers both website and app encryption system that locks you apps and accessed websites with passwords. It creates a blacklist for suspicious access and whitelist for trusted users. However, it does not have the file encryption ability that sets passwords for the desired file and folders.
- Keeps a list of login attempts to let you know who opens your apps
- User-friendly
GNU Privacy Guard
GNU Privacy Guard is hybrid Mac encryption software that uses a combination of standard symmetric-key cryptography and public-key cryptography. It mainly features a versatile key management system to protect your personal privacy and the privacy of the people you are communicating with.
- Versatile (has Windows and Mac versions)
- Free Software
However, since it provides you with a private key for safekeeping, you might end up having a hard time figuring out how to decode it once the keys are lost.
Concealer
Concealer is another trusted name in terms of hiding files and encryption. It provides an automatic password assistant that generates “strong” passwords. One of its main advantages is providing and organizing folders by having default templates for various accounts such as bank accounts, email, software registration, and more.
- Customizable auto-lock system
- Easy to use with drag and drop features
- Uses the master password and assigns separate or individual passwords to each file inside
Part 5. Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Encryption Software for Mac
I know you may have gotten confused on which program to use or will work best for you after reading through the different software you can choose from. There is plenty of encryption software for Mac; however, bear in mind that you need to consider quality and multi-function when it comes to having a “good buy”.
You need a program that provides an all-in-one solution that you can rely on when things go rough on your device. I recommend using FoneDog PowerMyMac for the following factors:
- Security– It the important concern above all. You have to be keen about how these programs work to secure your files and your Mac overall.
- Encryption– Based on the above-mentioned encryption data, there are different types of password-protection format. Choose the one that provides the safest and considers your files their topmost priority.
- Encryption Speed- Consider a program that can encrypt even your large files at the shortest period of time. We know that large files take a while to be fully encrypted so you need software that can minimize the time constraints.
- Software License- Although free programs are good such as the GNU Privacy Guard, an open source software, you need to consider that free software is not entirely best for your needs since everyone can download it. The same thing goes for paid programs; you have to be extra cautious on how much it costs and its corresponding features. To be sure, you can take advantage of their free-trial versions first so you can determine if it works for you or not.
Mac Os File Encryption
Part 6. Conclusions
We care so much about data privacy and we understand how crucial it is to be well-protected. You cannot simply store important files in your Mac especially when you have multiple users or you plan to sell it later on.
We know how much you want to protect your files from prying eyes and suspicious people that is why we have compiled and researched the different programs that can help you secure them. The encryption software for Mac we listed has their own Pros and Cons where you can assess according to their features.
Simply choose a program that will password-protect your files, optimize your system, and provide you with complete troubleshooting toolkit. Do you have any other concerns regarding encryption software for Mac? Please write your concerns in the comments below!
If you are using a Mac computer for any purpose and you want to encrypt some confidential files with password, here are some of the best methods you can use. This is very easy to encrypt files and folders on Mac computer. There are so many apps available in the App Store. On the other hand, there is an inbuilt option called Disk Utility that you can use to encrypt file and folder. Although some of the apps are paid, they are worth purchasing. Therefore, if you have some secret files or anything that you want to password protect, do check out this tutorial to get things on board.
Best Mac Apps to Encrypt File and Folder
1] Disk utility
Disk Utility is the inbuilt tool of Mac computer, and you can find it in the latest version as well. With the help of Disk Utility, you can perform various tasks related to disk management. Therefore, you can use the same tool to protect your files and folders. However, this is quite different than other regular tools. You may not be able to use the folder like before once you encrypt it with password and Disk Utility. However, as this is an inbuilt tool, you can try it before opting for a third-party solution.
To get started, create a folder and place all the confidential files that you want to encrypt or password protect.
After that, open Disk Utility. You can use the search option to find it out. For that, press Command + Space and type Disk Utility and open the corresponding app. Therefore, click File > New Image > Image from Folder.
Choose the folder that you want to encrypt and click the Choose button. By default, there would be no encryption. You need to select 128-bit AES encryption option from the Encryption drop-down menu. Right after selecting it, you will have to enter your password twice.
Following that, choose read/write from the Image Format drop-down menu. After doing everything, click the Save button.
You can find a .dmg file on your desired location. If you try to open it, it will ask for the password.
P.S. The password will be saved in the Keychain.
2] Data Guardian
Data Guardian has been an excellent data protection software for Mac as well as Windows computer. Regarding compatibility, you must have Mac OS X 10.10 or later version. Talking about features, you will get some handy functionalities so that you can password protect your critical data within moments. To be more specific, you will get unlimited records, fields, etc. Apart from that, you can insert pictures into records, record application activity to a log, dial phone numbers directly from records, dynamically generate passwords based on a user-specified algorithm, database can auto save so that changes are never lost, import virtually any flat-text file ad map it to custom fields and more others. The best thing about this tool is you will get 448-bit Blowfish encryption that will help you get rid of any kind of a headache related to password protection. This is also possible to apply changes to a selection of records at the same time. In case you have Windows as well as Mac computer, and you want to synchronize the database across both computers, that is possible too.
The user interface of Data Guardian is simple; neat and clean and hence, you should not get any issue while using it for the first time. Talking about the price of this tool, this is much affordable. The SOLO version costs around $19.95 for one computer, and it will provide all the features mentioned above.
3] Hider 2
Encrypt Files Mac Os
Hider 2 is yet another awesome and very useful password protection system that you can use to secure confidential files and folders. It doesn’t matter how much data you have to protect; you can certainly use Hider 2, which is very much sufficient regarding that. You may have pictures, documents, PDF files, audio, video or anything else. You can use Hider 2 to password protect your files.
However, it consumes a lot of time to create a password-protected vault for your file. While testing, it took around 8 minutes to password protect a 3.5GB folder. It doesn’t hide the file at once. Instead, you need to move the file from your location to the corresponding vault, and hence, it will protect that with the desired password. You need to remove the files manually that you have already transferred to that vault.
As it uses AES-256 encryption, you might find it strong in terms of password protection. The best thing is it is very small in size, and you can download it with mobile data as well. As this is available on the Mac App Store, you do not have to download any file from any other third-party resource.
Talking about the user interface, you might find it easiest to use. It offers a transparent UI that makes it even better. The last but not the least is price. It costs around $19.99, which is very low when compared to the features.
Encrypt Files Mac App Installer
4] Concealer
Concealer is very user-friendly and useful when you need to password protect your bank account number, credit card details, software registration information, website account details, email account information and so on. The advantage of using this tool is you can create different account with different password so that you can manage various information separately. Besides AEC-256 Encryption, you can find auto lock option and master password protection. Apart from that, you will get customizable categories for easy filtration, three types of cards (Accounts, Notes, File Storages), six predefined templates, Text notes for each card, export cards to text files and so on. Like a standard password manager, you can find a password generator as well that helps you to create a strong password while protecting.
Encrypt Files Mac App Windows 10
All these things can be obtained for $19.99. However, you can try the trial version before making the purchase.
How To Encrypt A Mac
These are some of the best tools for Mac to password protect or encrypt files and folders. Hope these would be helpful for you.