When should I encrypt my Time Machine backup drive?

[stanw]

I want to start using a new drive for Time Machine. I also want it to be encrypted. When should I encrypt it? As soon as I plug it into my Mac or after it completes its first Time Machine backup?

Thanks.

 

[jbarley]

Disk Utility allows for the drive to be encrypted either when erasing or partitioning.
So I would think before you start using Time Machine would be good.

 

[Fishrrman]

The question:
"When should I encrypt my Time Machine backup drive?"

My answer (and my opinion only):
You shouldn't.

Why not?
Because "a backup" is something you reach for "in a moment of need".
One usually has lost something and needs to "get it back".
The more barriers you put up to accessing that information, the harder it becomes to get back.
And I've read too many posts here from folks who "reached for their backup", and found that they COULDN'T access the data on it.

If you have data that is "that sensitive" on the backup drive, leave the drive "in the clear" but lock it into a safe or store it in a hidden place.

Again, my opinion only.

 

[baas]

https://www.howtogeek.com/305540/how-to-encrypt-your-macs-time-machine-backup/

 

[Weaselboy]

I want to start using a new drive for Time Machine. I also want it to be encrypted. When should I encrypt it? As soon as I plug it into my Mac or after it completes its first Time Machine backup?

Thanks.

Either way will work fine and give you the same end result. But encrypting afterward once the backup data is already on there takes forever. I always just format the new, blank drive to encrypted format first.

 

[MacBH928]

The question:
"When should I encrypt my Time Machine backup drive?"

My answer (and my opinion only):
You shouldn't.

Why not?
Because "a backup" is something you reach for "in a moment of need".
One usually has lost something and needs to "get it back".
The more barriers you put up to accessing that information, the harder it becomes to get back.
And I've read too many posts here from folks who "reached for their backup", and found that they COULDN'T access the data on it.

If you have data that is "that sensitive" on the backup drive, leave the drive "in the clear" but lock it into a safe or store it in a hidden place.

Again, my opinion only.

I agree with this,
I once had a TimeMachine Backup which was no encrypted that failed and I almost maybe lost my data, also the encrypted drives gave me troubles.

I recommend using Carbon Copy Cloner which is flawless that creates bootable backups, and store your backups in a safe place.