Disc encryption vs. file/folder encryption

Discussion in 'Mac Basics and Help' started by GanChan, Feb 23, 2017.

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  1. GanChan, Feb 23, 2017

    GanChan macrumors 6502a

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    #1
    I want to protect personal data and business information on my Mac, so of course I've given serious thought to FireVaulting it. But this process will grind everything to a near-halt for hours, so I'm wondering now whether simply encrypting the sensitive folders would be just as good. One fringe benefit, it seems to me, is that even if I forget the password, I'd be locked out of those folders but the computer itself would still be usable.....

    Anyone else decide to go the folder route instead of the whole-disk route?
     
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  2. chown33, Feb 23, 2017

    chown33 macrumors 604

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    #2
    OS X doesn't offer folder-level encryption.

    You can make a disk image in Disk Utility, and encrypt the disk image. Copy your sensitive folders to the disk-image. Double-click to mount it; Eject to unmount it. After confirming all files OK on disk image, delete original folders.

    To ensure the system requires a manually entered password, make sure you DO NOT store the disk-image's password in your keychain.

    https://support.apple.com/kb/PH22247
     
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    campyguy and BrianBaughn like this.
  3. GanChan, Feb 23, 2017

    GanChan thread starter macrumors 6502a

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    #3
    Yes, that's how I would want to do it, I think.
     
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  4. satcomer, Feb 23, 2017

    satcomer macrumors 603

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    #4
    Do you want some shareware called Espionage?
     
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  5. KALLT, Feb 23, 2017

    KALLT macrumors 601

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    #5
    Full-disk encryption is IMO preferable due to the fact that files can end up outside of the folders. The system stores temporary copies of files elsewhere.
     
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