How to set a password on certain files / folders?

[palmerc2]

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]

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]

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]

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]

encrypted disk image

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]

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/2008/04/password-protecting-folder-solution.html

 

[miles01110]

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

 

[porg1969]

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!

 

[mscriv]

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.