How to set a password on certain files / folders?

palmerc2 · Nov 17, 2009, 12:10 AM

As I mature further, the information I take in tends to get higher and higher. Passwords, usernames, information, etc etc. I've created a .numbers document with a lot of my usernames and passwords for various websites / any information I need. This file has no lock on it, so if anyone would be able to get into my computer, they would be able to get that file with a little perseverance or a little spotlight search. I've tried going to "get info" on the file and tinkering with different options there with no luck. I've googled it, and the only (somewhat) promising thing that came up was to use Disk Utility and create a disk image. It states that is best for transferring through a flash drive. Since I am updating this almost weekly, I do not think that is the best solution.....

Is there a program, or a setting which would enable me to set a password on a file(s) or folder(s)?

Thanks

r.j.s · Nov 17, 2009, 12:20 AM

If it is just to password protect a file containing all your other passwords, I'd invest in something like 1Password.

Other than that, the encrypted disk image is the way to go.

deorg · Nov 17, 2009, 12:22 AM

Ive heard of some kind of widget that allow you to put small amount of text data on to this, and is password protected... as you may know if you spotlight the stickies widget it wont come up because spotlight wont recognize it ... try using some protected widget in the apple download page...

and it would be very clever not making the header title as MY PASSWORDS or MY SECRET DATA

cheers

NorCalLights · Nov 17, 2009, 12:52 AM

An encrypted disk image is the way to go. Just mount it when you need access and eject it when you're done.

mac&cheesey · Nov 17, 2009, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorCalLights

An encrypted disk image is the way to go. Just mount it when you need access and eject it when you're done.

^
+1 for encrypted disk image

Easy to do. Great protection. Just remember to select an effective password. As with all encryption, it is only as good as your password.

m&c

palmerc2 · Nov 17, 2009, 10:51 AM

okay yes thanks all, found this article that helped as well....I didn't think it would be so easy, hah!

http://www.mactricksandtips.com/2008...-solution.html

miles01110 · Nov 17, 2009, 10:54 AM

Use KeePassX if you want a more streamlined interface than a text file. Free and Open Source.

porg1969 · Nov 17, 2009, 11:11 AM

Another way tp place a password is to open the document you want protected. Hit print, command-p, then press save to PDF. then hit security options, and viola- you create a password for that document, picture, etc. It's fast and easy!

mscriv · Nov 17, 2009, 11:38 AM

Using a disk image is much easier than it seems at first. The advantage to this method is that you can put the image on something external if you desire so that you have an additional back up of the information.

Another option would be an encryption program like TrueCrypt.

Nov 17, 2009, 12:10 AM	#1
palmerc2 macrumors regular Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Los Angeles	How to set a password on certain files / folders? As I mature further, the information I take in tends to get higher and higher. Passwords, usernames, information, etc etc. I've created a .numbers document with a lot of my usernames and passwords for various websites / any information I need. This file has no lock on it, so if anyone would be able to get into my computer, they would be able to get that file with a little perseverance or a little spotlight search. I've tried going to "get info" on the file and tinkering with different options there with no luck. I've googled it, and the only (somewhat) promising thing that came up was to use Disk Utility and create a disk image. It states that is best for transferring through a flash drive. Since I am updating this almost weekly, I do not think that is the best solution..... Is there a program, or a setting which would enable me to set a password on a file(s) or folder(s)? Thanks __________________ waiting for MBP update *Welcome to Hell-A*...."Wonderland"

Nov 17, 2009, 12:20 AM	#2
r.j.s macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Forum Spy	If it is just to password protect a file containing all your other passwords, I'd invest in something like 1Password. Other than that, the encrypted disk image is the way to go. __________________ 2009 15" MBP 2.8GHz 4GB 500GB // Late 2006 MB 2GHz 3GB 500GB // 2nd Gen 16GB iPod Touch OS X Tutorial Videos\|Suggest new tutorials

Nov 17, 2009, 12:22 AM	#3
deorg macrumors 6502 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Miami, FL.	Ive heard of some kind of widget that allow you to put small amount of text data on to this, and is password protected... as you may know if you spotlight the stickies widget it wont come up because spotlight wont recognize it ... try using some protected widget in the apple download page... and it would be very clever not making the header title as MY PASSWORDS or MY SECRET DATA cheers __________________ Perk 1: Bandolier, Perk 2: Juggernaut, Perk 3: Last Stand.

Nov 17, 2009, 10:51 AM	#6
palmerc2 Thread Starter macrumors regular Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Los Angeles	okay yes thanks all, found this article that helped as well....I didn't think it would be so easy, hah! http://www.mactricksandtips.com/2008...-solution.html __________________ waiting for MBP update *Welcome to Hell-A*...."Wonderland"

Nov 17, 2009, 10:54 AM	#7
miles01110 macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Switzerland	Use KeePassX if you want a more streamlined interface than a text file. Free and Open Source. __________________ 14 People You Meet in the Apple Store Why Is My Credit Card Company Trying to Phish Me? Got a problem? Check here first.

Nov 17, 2009, 12:52 AM	#4
NorCalLights macrumors regular Join Date: Apr 2006	An encrypted disk image is the way to go. Just mount it when you need access and eject it when you're done.

Nov 17, 2009, 11:11 AM	#8
porg1969 macrumors newbie Join Date: Dec 2007	password protection Another way tp place a password is to open the document you want protected. Hit print, command-p, then press save to PDF. then hit security options, and viola- you create a password for that document, picture, etc. It's fast and easy!

Nov 17, 2009, 11:38 AM	#9
mscriv macrumors 65816 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Dallas, Texas	Using a disk image is much easier than it seems at first. The advantage to this method is that you can put the image on something external if you desire so that you have an additional back up of the information. Another option would be an encryption program like TrueCrypt. __________________ I'm a professional counselor. If I deem our forum interaction to be professional in nature then I will bill you. Prompt payment is expected.

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