Encrypting Files on Your Mac or MacBook
There are several built-in security features that come with your Mac OS X computer. Some of the possible things that you can do to keep your data safe are:
- Disable automatic login
- Require passwords to unlock System Preferences pane
- Log out automatically
- Require password to wake computer from sleep or screen saver
- Use secure virtual memory
- Enable FileVault (which encrypts your ENTIRE home folder)
- Enable Firewall (which allows only certain connections to your computer)
- Use Stealth Mode (which “hides” your computer on your network)
Because I travel with my MacBook so much, one of my favorite security features is creating my own “data vault.” A data vault is a disk image that you create to keep a subset of your files encrypted, without encrypting your entire home folder (as is the case when you utilize FileVault).
For example, you might want to encrypt files such as:
- A Scan of your passport
- Financial documents and spreadsheets
- Corporate files
- Your password list
- Future business plans
- Your most sensitive contacts
- Lists of customers and clients
- Lists of vendors and contractors
Although some of the above data is might be visible if your entire home directory is not encrypted, at least some of the most sensitive data will be more difficult to obtain if your are vigilant when saving this data.
Opening and closing the “data vault” requires an extra step each time you want to access the data, but it will be well worth your efforts should your laptop ever become “misplaced” or stolen. There are a lot of folks that wish they had taken security precautions before their laptop was stolen.
Even if your computer stays on your desktop, it’s nice to know that some files are safe from prying eyes while you step away to take a coffee break. With this feature, you can step away and not worry about the most sensitive data.
It is really simple to do, so take a minute and create a little vault for your valuable data. If you get in this habit now, you will be thankful you did should disaster strike.
Create a File Vault
Here are the basic steps for creating your own File Vault:
Step 1:
Open the “Disk Utility” application.
Step 2:
Select File -> New -> Blank Disk Image…
(or press option-command-N)
Step 3:
Type in the name for your new vault and press “Create”
(Here I chose My_Secret_Vault)
Step 4:
Select a password for your vault.
Deselect the box “Remember password in my keychain” and press “OK”
Having Mac OS X remember your password won’t do you any good if you walk away from your computer or if your laptop is stolen when it is open and unlocked.
Step 5:
Your Disk Image will appear.
This is your new vault.
Use Your File Vault
Congratulations… you now have your own data vault. To use it, just select it in the finder. Type in the password when prompted and press “OK” do open it.
Use is just like any other folder on your system. Drag files into it. Double-click files in it to open them.
When you want to close the vault, just “Eject” it by clicking on the eject button next to it in Finder. Your files will be encrypted and safely tucked away for safe keeping.
Although there are many ways to secure your laptop, file vault data security through encryption is a great way to begin keeping your private files private.
