Let’s say your laptop is lost or stolen? Your private files may easily fall into the wrong hands. This is the reality for many who use a Mac. Flashpoint’s 2024 Global Threat Intelligence Report shows that reported data breach incidents increased by 429% in early 2024. This amounts to more than enough reasons to protect your files and data properly.
Encrypting files on your Mac does not prevent theft or unauthorized access to your computer, but it helps to prevent unauthorized access to the files. Suppose you have vital work-related documents, private photos of your children or loved ones that you do not want others to see. Encryption is a simple and effective method to keep these files safe.
Reasons to encrypt your files
Ever worried about data privacy? Encrypt your data, and your worries are sorted. But why do you need to encrypt files on Mac? Here are the top reasons:
Data security
This protects confidential files from unauthorized access. Your data is your most valuable asset and encryption can shield you against data breaches and leaks. The integration of encryption is the best strategy against your documents, bank details and media files getting leaked.
Confidential communications
Encryption keeps your personal and business communication safe from hackers. Bugs and viruses are everywhere, and there is an obligation to keep your message private and confidential. Encryption of communication files stops somebody from listening in and looking at your information exchange.
Regulatory compliance
Compliance with regulations and standards is essential. For businesses, this not only keeps client data safe, but also ensures compliance with legal requirements – such as the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. Regulatory bodies are increasingly tenacious in their requirements for data protection, and encryption helps to meet these requirements easily.
Disaster recovery
Even if the hardware fails or a disaster strikes, your files are saved because the data remains encrypted. The information can be difficult to recover directly from the hardware, but it’s protected at least from prying eyes.
How to encrypt files on Mac with Disk Utility
Encrypting a Mac’s files using Disk Utility is pretty simple. Here’s a step-by-step you can follow, to make an encrypted disk image that your files can be stored in:
- Open the Disk Utility: This can be accessed via Applications > Utilities. This lets you manage your disk and volumes.
- Create a New Image: Go to File > New Image > Image from Folder. This is to create a new virtual disk image from a current folder.
- Choose a Folder: Select the folder which you wish to encrypt. Make sure that this folder contains all the information you wish to keep private.
- Define the Image: Give the image a name, select the folder location, and the two options for processing the image at 128-bit AES or 256-bit AES. The 256-bit AES requires more processing time makes the application slower and might run out of processing power. The 128-bit AES is quicker. However, please note that, while 128-bit AES is a good security level, it is not as secure as the 256-bit option. If you plan to use the app a lot with a large collection of images, use the 256-bit AES option. Also, give the image a name that you will remember. This will help to manage the image file and retrieve it quickly for viewing.
- Set Your Password: Enter and confirm the password, Make sure that it’s a strong one. Your password should be long, complex and unique.
- Save Your Encrypted Disk Image: You are now prompted to create your encrypted disk image. Simply click the Save button and you’ll be asked to verify your settings before the disk image is finalized.
How to encrypt your Mac with FileVault
Here are the steps to enable FileVault so that it can protect your entire system:
- Open FileVault: Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault: This option keeps the entire hard drive secure.
- Turn on FileVault: Click the lock to make changes and select ‘Turn On FileVault’. This ensures your system is encrypted at the block level.
- Choose Unlock Method: Choose whether to use the account that’s linked to your iCloud account or generate a recovery key. You can make recovery easier by using your iCloud account, but if you forget your password, you won’t be able to recover the key.
- Start the Encryption: At this point, your Mac will start encrypting your hard drive, which takes several hours to complete. You can use your Mac during this time, and keep it plugged into the power source to avoid interruption.
Protect your personal and professional life, Mac-wise
The protection of files on a Mac is so much more than technology. It’s about your life, the things that really matter to you. Protect both your private and your professional life by using your Mac’s built-in tools. Use FileVault to encrypt the entire disk volume and use Disk Utility to encrypt the data inside disk images. The degree of data protection provided by these tools is massive. Don’t leave people’s personal data unprotected. Don’t leave your business files open to hackers. Get encrypting. Use Apple’s handy built-in tools to protect yourself from any future breaches. Data security has never been easier to implement. Work encryption into your life today and make sure all your information is safe all the time.
Have a PC? Read our guide on How to encrypt files on your PC
FAQs
How do I recover my encrypted data if I forget the password for Disk Utility?
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to access the data on an encrypted disk image created with Disk Utility if you forget the password. In fact, that data becomes impossible to access if you forget the password, so make sure you keep it safe. You might want to use a great password manager to track your encryption passwords.
Can I encrypt files on cloud storage accessed via my Mac?
Yes, you can encrypt your files before uploading them to any of the cloud services. You can create an encrypted disk image using Disk Utility and then store that disk image in your cloud storage. Even if your cloud storage will be compromised, all encrypted files will be safe.
What is the difference between 128-bit and 256-bit encryption?
The difference is related to the security and how much time the processing needs. 128-bit encryption is a secure method for processing that is much faster. However, 256-bit encryption is more secure and will take longer to process. In case your information is very sensitive then I recommend using 256-bit encryption for getting maximum protection.
Are there any system requirements for using FileVault on a Mac?
FileVault is available on Macs that are running OS X Lion (10.7) and later. Check that your Mac is updated to at least this version to use FileVault. As a precautionary measure, make sure that you have backed up your data before turning on FileVault.
How can I verify if my disk is fully encrypted with FileVault?
If you want to verify that your disk is encrypted, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault. If FileVault is on, the FileVault panel will display ‘FileVault is turned on for the disk [disk name]’. This is the easiest way to confirm that your data is effectively protected by FileVault encryption.