How to Encrypt Files and Folders in MacOS?
Last Updated :
01 Oct, 2024
In today’s digital age, protecting your sensitive data is more important than ever. Encrypting files and folders on macOS is an excellent way to ensure your personal information stays secure. Encryption makes your data unreadable to unauthorized users, adding an extra layer of security to your system.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to encrypt files and folders in macOS using built-in tools, so you can protect your confidential data with ease.
How Encryption Secures Files and Folders?
Encrypting Files & Folders means, putting some Strong Passwords there. When any individual wants to open the Files & Folders on the Mac, they have to provide the Secure Passwords as the File or Folder is Encrypted. It is a good tool to secure your confidential information.
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.
How to Encrypt Files and Folders in MacOS?
To Encrypt Files & Folders on Mac Operating System, the following guideline need to be executed. Let us start with the Disk Utility Option on Mac.
Method 1: Encrypt Files and Folders in MacOS 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.
Step 1: Use Spotlight or Open Disk Utility (Click on Applications > Utilities folder)
Step 2: Select File > New Image > Image from Folder > then choose the Folder to encrypt.
Step 3: Enter a Name, Tags (optional) > Select a path where to save Disk Image.

Step 4: Choose the Encryption Level of 128-bit or 256-bit > Click Save > Enter a Password.

Step 5: 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: Encrypt Files and Folders in MacOS By Using FileVault
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.
Step 1: Click on Apple Menu > Open System Settings
Step 2: Select Security and Privacy

Step 3: Click on the FileVault tab > Click on Lock to make changes at the bottom left > Enter Password to unlock > Select "Turn on FileVault".
Step 4: Need to create a Recovery Key in case the user misplaces the MacOS password and can't access the data.
Step 5: 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: Encrypt Files and Folders in MacOS Using 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.
Step 1: Select Print (⌘+P) > Click on Save as PDF

Step 2: Select a Save location > Set a Name > Choose Security options
Step 3: Enter a Strong Password > Click on Save
Step 4: Type the created Password to open the PDF file.

Step 5: Use the "Print using system Dialog" option to print the file from PDF.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can easily encrypt your files and folders on macOS, ensuring that your sensitive data remains secure and accessible only to authorized users. Whether you’re securing personal documents or work-related files, encryption is a simple and effective method to protect your data from prying eyes. Regularly encrypting sensitive information can give you peace of mind in today’s digital world.
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