Practically everyone has files or folders on their Mac that they don’t want anyone else to access. While using FileVault to encrypt your drives and having a password to access the user account can provide some level of protection, some folders may require an extra level of security, especially if you share a user account or a computer.
One solution to this is to use Disk Utility to create a disk image that is encrypted and password-protected. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open Disk Utility, which can be found in the Applications folder under Utilities. Alternatively, you can use the search function in Finder to search for Disk Utility on your Mac.
2. In the Disk Utility menu, select “File” > “New Image” > “Image from Folder.”
3. A new dialog box will appear with several options available for creating a disk image. At the top, you can change the name of the disk image to something more appropriate to its contents instead of using the folder name by default. Choose where you want it to be initially saved.
4. Under Encryption, select either 128-bit or 256-bit AES encryption. Selecting 256-bit will be more secure but slower to access than the 128-bit.
5. Under the Image Format drop-down box, select “Read and Write” to be able to change files held within the image once created. If you don’t want any changes made to the files in the folder at all or new files to be added, select “Read-only.”
6. Enter your desired password twice. Once the settings are entered, click “Save,” then “Done.” At the location defined in the settings, you will find a new DMG file with the name entered during the process.
7. To access your files, the image needs to be mounted. Double-click the image to mount it. A dialog box will appear asking for the password, which needs to be filled out, followed by clicking “OK.” A tick box below the password entry offers to save the password to keychain, but if anyone else has access to the same keychain, it’s probably not a good idea.
8. Once the right password is entered, the image will mount, and the files will be accessible. The folder will not need the password again when it’s mounted but will require it when it’s unmounted. To unmount, right-click the mounted image and select “Eject.”
After creating the image, it’s tempting to delete the source folder and its contents. However, before doing so, make sure the image functions as planned and that there is a securely held backup of the files.
By following these simple steps, your files will be more secure, and you can have peace of mind knowing that your private information is safe.
Title: How to Password Protect Folder in Mac for Extra Security