Hard Disk Encryption Software Mac

Apr 10, 2020  Mac hard drive is not showing up in Disk Utility. Problem: The Mac storage drive fails to show up in the Disk Utility window. Solution: Mac hard drive not appearing in the Disk Utility window is one of the worst problems that a storage device could face. In most cases, the device is dead either completely or partially. That Network Attached Storage drive you've got in the corner also supports encryption, but before you install encryption software, explore whether the NAS itself supports on-board encryption. If more than one computer accesses the NAS, it's generally more efficient to let the NAS manage encryption than to require each client computer to manage a shared encryption space simultaneously.

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.

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.

Encryption

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:

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

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.

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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

  1. Use the spotlight search and type in Disk Utility. You can also go to Utilities under Applications.
  2. Go to File on the topmost tools and hover to New Image then click on Image from Folder
  3. Select the folder you wish to encrypt from the newly popped-up window
  4. Rename the file you want to encrypt and go to the bottom part where you can set the encryption settings
  5. You can choose between the 128 and the 256-bit. (The higher the encryption the better but it takes slower time to complete request)
  6. 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.
  7. For the Image format, you can choose compressed.
  8. 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.

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

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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:

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  1. Go to Security & Privacy under System Preferences
  2. Click the FileVault tab and click on the lock icon
  3. Enter the administration username and password
  4. 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.

  1. Go to Print
  2. Choose PDF
  3. Click Save as PDF
  4. Before saving it, go to Security Options
  5. Check the box for your desired password security measures
  6. 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

Best Free Disk Encryption Software

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

Free Disk Encryption

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Hard Disk Encryption Software Mac Free

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!

Hard Disk Encryption Software Mac Free

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