How to Encrypt Files and Folders in MacOS?

On the MacOS system, sensitive data can be secured by encrypting files and folders. To access and protect them, users need a strong password or some form of verification. Sensitive data protection is more important than ever in an age of digital information that is both plentiful and priceless for the user. There is always a chance that confidential company data, financial records, or personal documents could be accessed without authorization or any further notice.

How Encryption Secures Files and Folders?

By protecting the internal data so that only authorized users with the right decryption key can access it, encryption acts as vital security for both files and folders on MacOS. Here, we’ll discuss the important methods to encrypt files and folders in MacOS –

Method 1: By Using Disk Utility

A disk image is an encrypted file that may be created using the Disk Utility system. It is comparable to a zip file, except it makes use of the most powerful MacOS encryption process.

• Use Spotlight or Open Disk Utility (Click on Applications > Utilities folder)
• Select File > New Image > Image from Folder > then choose the Folder to encrypt.
• Enter a Name, Tags (optional) > Select a path where to save Disk Image.

• Choose the encryption level of 128-bit or 256-bit > Click Save > Enter a Password.

• Keep an eye on the alert when the process is Done > Select Done.

Note: The Disk Image process will stuck during the process if the file size is larger.

Method 2: By Using FileVault for Full-Disk Encryption

If a MacOS is compromised, malicious parties cannot access any important data without FileVault encryption. Not all process of identity theft must encrypt their identities to cyber criminals; all have lost their systems.

• Click on Apple Menu > Open System Settings
• Select Security and Privacy

• Click on the FileVault tab > Click on Lock to make changes at the bottom left > Enter Password to unlock > Select “Turn on FileVault”.
• Need to create a Recovery Key in case the user misplaces the MacOS password and can’t access the data.
• Set the key to the iCloud Account or Write down or save securely in another Digital location.
• Now, the encryption process will begin and the user needs to plan the required time accordingly.

Method 3: By Using Creating an Encrypted PDF for Emailing

Any file a user can send via email or put in a cloud service is more susceptible to illegal access. Users need to put it simply, the files and folders can be viewed by anyone who can steal them from the system.

• Select Print (⌘+P) > Click on Save as PDF

• Select a Save location > Set a Name > Choose Security options
• Enter a Strong Password > Click on Save
• Type the created Password to open the PDF file.

• Use the “Print using system Dialog” option to print the file from PDF.

Conclusion

User data is jumbled up and rendered unreadable by encryption unless they have access to a portable RFID chip, secret key, or strong password. In a time of widespread digitalization and increased cybersecurity risks, data encryption is a powerful defense against data leaks and invasions of privacy for users. Data encryption strengthens files and folders by using sophisticated cryptographic algorithms to prevent unwanted access.

FAQs on How to Encrypt Files and Folders in MacOS

Can a Mac folder be password-protected?

Decide on a strong Password: Users need to choose Get Info by doing a right-click (or control-click) on the folder. Then, click the padlock symbol in the lower left corner of the General tab and type the administrator password, then select OK. After that, select the box next to Locked, type in a password, and press OK or Confirm.

On MacOS, how do users make a file secure?

In MacOS, from the File menu at the top of the screen, select File > Set Password. Then, fill in the required fields and click Set Password for further processes. The message “Remember this password in my keychain” occurs if system isn’t configured with the Touch ID.

Does encryption slow down the performance of MacOS?

Basically, bigger quantities may require several hours for internal encryption, user probably won’t notice a speed difference on the system. It doesn’t matter if user intend to make a clean installation process on macOS because FileVault may be enabled before anything is migrated to it, when encryption is most efficient to control the overall processes.