Password protect a folder?

[jjmaximum]

Is there an app (or a way already in 10.3) that would allow me to password-protect a folder so nobody else could view the contents or open any of the files in the folder? TIA

[sjpetry]

I also would like to know.

Thanks. :)


jjmaximum whats in that folder. :p :D

[PlaceofDis]

i know with iCrypt you can password lock individual files, but folders dont work

[haiggy]

I think I still have the program.. hold on I'll check:

Aha!

It's a program called "LameSecure".. just search it in google or on version tracker and I'm sure it'll come up. I believe it makes a copy of the folder or something.. don't hold me to that I haven't used it in forever. Give it a try and let me know how it works. ;)

[Flynnstone]

You can do something close.
Using disk utility, you can create a disk image.
It asks if you want to encrypt.
The limitation is that you need to specify the disk/image size.
Is that what you were looking for?

[jsw]

You can do something close.
Using disk utility, you can create a disk image.
It asks if you want to encrypt.
The limitation is that you need to specify the disk/image size.
Is that what you were looking for?
Agreed! This is the best way to protect your, er, sensitive files. ;)

To be specific:


Open Applications->Utilities->Disk Utility.
Click the "New Image" icon in the toolbar (or use Images->New...->Blank Image)
Fill in "Save as:" field with a name.
Select an appropriate size
Set the excryption to AES-128
Keep the format as "read/write disk image"
Click "Create"
You'll be prompted for a password - enter one
Very important: Unselect "Remember password (add to Keychain)" before clicking OK to set the password.


This creates the password-protected .dmg file. Double-click it to open it (supply the password, and don't opt to store it in your keychain, or else anyone in your account can open it). It then looks like a mounted disk image - drag things into/out of it. Eject it to return it to it's password-protected state.

[Scottyk9]

You can do something close.
Using disk utility, you can create a disk image.
It asks if you want to encrypt.
The limitation is that you need to specify the disk/image size.
Is that what you were looking for?

I second this suggestion. This method uses 128 bit encryption for the entire contents of the disk image, just like FileVault, except much more flexible.
You can make it almost any size you want, which I guess is somewhat of a limitation if you don't have any idea how much space the contents will eventually hold.

Just remember to leave the checkbox "remember this password" unchecked.

[Mechcozmo]

I use the disk image method for my secure stuff. It's empty..... but its a secure set of "000"s on my hard drive.

[MisterMe]

Is there an app (or a way already in 10.3) that would allow me to password-protect a folder so nobody else could view the contents or open any of the files in the folder? TIAYou are using a Unix-based computer. Why don't you its basic features? You can set the permissions of your folder in question to allow only your account to read the folder's contents. For an extra measure, you can also set the permissions of each file in the folder to allow access only to your account. Then, don't allow automatic login and keep your password only to yourself.

[jjmaximum]

Agreed! This is the best way to protect your, er, sensitive files. ;)

To be specific:


Open Applications->Utilities->Disk Utility.
Click the "New Image" icon in the toolbar (or use Images->New...->Blank Image)
Fill in "Save as:" field with a name.
Select an appropriate size
Set the excryption to AES-128
Keep the format as "read/write disk image"
Click "Create"
You'll be prompted for a password - enter one
Very important: Unselect "Remember password (add to Keychain)" before clicking OK to set the password.


This creates the password-protected .dmg file. Double-click it to open it (supply the password, and don't opt to store it in your keychain, or else anyone in your account can open it). It then looks like a mounted disk image - drag things into/out of it. Eject it to return it to it's password-protected state.

JSW,

Tried exactly what you said and I got a 'Device Busy' error message. Any idea what I am doing wrong?

[Blue Velvet]

JSW,

Tried exactly what you said and I got a 'Device Busy' error message. Any idea what I am doing wrong?

Try Images>New>Image from Folder...

[emw]

You are using a Unix-based computer. Why don't you its basic features? You can set the permissions of your folder in question to allow only your account to read the folder's contents. For an extra measure, you can also set the permissions of each file in the folder to allow access only to your account. Then, don't allow automatic login and keep your password only to yourself.The problem with this would be if you log into your computer, and step away for a period of time, anyone could see those files unless you log out everytime you leave your computer.

Sure, it's being a little paranoid, but the disk image thing is superb. And secure.

[jsw]

JSW,

Tried exactly what you said and I got a 'Device Busy' error message. Any idea what I am doing wrong?
jjmaximum - did BV's suggestion help? My guess is that you had a read-only disk (CD, DVD) selected when you did the new image thing - maybe. Does clicking on your hard disk icon, then doing the steps above help? I'm not at my Mac, so I can't provide direct help now. I'm not sure why you'd get the "Device Busy" message without being able to diagnose it at home.

[jjmaximum]

jjmaximum - did BV's suggestion help? My guess is that you had a read-only disk (CD, DVD) selected when you did the new image thing - maybe. Does clicking on your hard disk icon, then doing the steps above help? I'm not at my Mac, so I can't provide direct help now. I'm not sure why you'd get the "Device Busy" message without being able to diagnose it at home.

Yes, it worked from the Image menu instead of the icon. Many thanks guys...BTW, it is mainly for sensitive work-related documents, though a may put a few pictures in there too ;)

[parrothead]

I use Stuffit Deluxe to encrypt specific folders that I wouldnt want anyone to open. Always worked great for me.

[MisterMe]

The problem with this would be if you log into your computer, and step away for a period of time, anyone could see those files unless you log out everytime you leave your computer.

Sure, it's being a little paranoid, but the disk image thing is superb. And secure.No security system is going to give you very much protection against the kind of sloppiness that you described. Disk images move the problem, but they don't solve the problem. You mount your disk image and walk away for a period of time. How is this any different?

[idkew]

I use a shareware program called Crypt2 to encrypt files and folders. It uses 448bit blowfish cypher to encrypt, which would prolly take the virgina tech supercomputer years to crack. It is free for file encryption (i.e. Stuff that folder, then encrypt) or $5 per computer (based off a MAC address?) for file/folder compression/encryption.

Crypt2 securly erases all data used after encrypt/decrypt (except for the file/folder you decrypted, obviously. once you are done with it, you use the Secure Delete command to erase from your hard disk.)

Crypt2 (http://www.dekorte.com/Software/OSX/Crypt/)

About the Blowfish Cypher (http://www.schneier.com/blowfish.html)

[Mechcozmo]

once you are done with it, you use the Secure Delete command to erase from your hard disk

In Panther you can also choose "Secure Empty Trash"

[idkew]

In Panther you can also choose "Secure Empty Trash"


that is what i meant, thanks

[virividox]

dont forget your password for that dmg!!!

[emw]

No security system is going to give you very much protection against the kind of sloppiness that you described. Disk images move the problem, but they don't solve the problem. You mount your disk image and walk away for a period of time. How is this any different?True. But in the first case, every time you are logged onto your computer someone has complete access to everything on that system, including your sensitive files.

With the disk image method, you would have to mount it before anyone could get to it. There is still exposure, but it's not as significant, since you have more control over the mounting. But in the end, you still have to have some control.