Security is one of the most important factors in keeping computers and mobiles, as well as the data stored on them, protected. A good way to keep the information shielded is to encrypt it.
Knowing how to encrypt files on your Mac will prevent others from easily accessing your personal information.
In this article we will explain how to add an extra layer of security on your Mac computer. You will keep intruders and hackers at bay, as the encryption method is almost impossible to hack. Here we will give some procedures for encrypting files that are useful and easy to apply. Let’s get started!
How to encrypt files with FileVault 2
FireVault 2 is built into the macOS OS, so you won’t have to download any software. What it does is to turn the drive into an XTS-AES-128 encrypted volume that it keeps locked with a 256-bit password. It’s very simple, without the key you can’t get into the data, allowing the Mac to be extremely secure. The most important thing, logically, is not to forget the computer’s recovery password.
– Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner and choose “System Preferences”.
– Now, select “Security & Privacy.”
– Click on the lock and enter your administrator name and password.
– Tap on the FileVault tab and read the warning that will be displayed on the screen. When you encrypt the startup disk, you will protect all the folders and files it contains. Choose “Enable FileVault”.
– Next, you can choose whether you want iCloud to have the ability to unlock the drive, or if you prefer to create a recovery key. When you have chosen what you like best, click “Continue”.
– In case you have chosen the recovery key option, the password will be displayed. Write down the password and put it in a safe place that you will not forget. Then select “Continue”.
– At this point, you will need to restart your Mac when prompted. The encryption process can take many hours, but it runs in the background, so you can continue using your computer without any problems.
How to encrypt files with Encrypto
The macOS system doesn’t offer an option to encrypt files separately, so you have to use a third-party program. Right now, Encrypto is the best application for this job, as it uses AES-256 encryption and is free.
– Go to the App Store, search for the “Encrypto” app and install it.
– Being inside the app, drag the file you want to encrypt to the yellow area and drop it there.
– You will need to attach a password to protect the information. Do this very carefully, as there is no verification option.
– The document will be encrypted and two options will be enabled. You can choose “Share file” to attach it to an email or insert it into Notes, Messages, etc.
– The encrypted information will be saved as a “.crypto” file. Click on the encryption to open Encrypto.
– You will need to place the key and choose “Decrypt” to unlock and access the document.
