FileVault security

[allen-uk]

Running El Capitan on a Mac Mini with SSD.

After activating FileVault, I can still get in with my basic harddrive password.

Does this mean my Mac IS encrypted? Various threads around the web claim that if a clever robber got his paws on my Mac he/she could bypass FileVault and access my data.

What is the truth? Does FileVault (plus a new complex Root password) protect me?

Thanks.


Allen

 

[Weaselboy]

After activating FileVault, I can still get in with my basic harddrive password.

The default setup is to use the same login password to unlock FV.... so you are totally safe if you are using a somewhat complex password.

You can look in the Filevault panel in system prefs to see if it shows FV enabled and the encryption has completed.

 

[allen-uk]

Thanks weaselboy. Does having a new root password make any difference to security, or is it over-kill?

Allen

 

[Weaselboy]

Thanks weaselboy. Does having a new root password make any difference to security, or is it over-kill?

Allen

The root user is disabled by default. Unless you have some reason to turn on the root account, it is best to just leave it disabled.