Mac: Encrypt hard drive

Mac OS X comes with programs that you can use to encrypt your hard drive. This increases the security of your data and thus the protection of your privacy.

Encrypt data with "FileVault"

With "FileVault" you can protect your data simply but efficiently. All files in the selected user folders are encrypted and thus protected against unauthorized access:

1. Select the "System Settings" in the Dock.
2. Under the "Personal" heading, activate the "Security" button. Then click on "FileVault" above.
3. Now you have to enter your administrator password. To do this, click on the lock symbol in the lower left corner. Then click the "Activate FileVault" option.
4. Select the users of your Mac for whom you want to enable encryption.
5. Write down the recovery key. This is important if you forget your password. You can also deposit your recovery key with Apple. You can access it by answering the three security questions correctly.
6. In the window that appears, select "Restart". You can track the encryption under "Security" in the "System Settings". You can use your Mac as usual during this time.

Protect your data with an image

Another method is to summarize your data in an image and assign a password to it:

1. Open the Spotlight search in the top bar to the right of your user name (shortcut: Apple + Space). Enter the keyword "hard disk utility" there.
2. Activate the "New Image" item in the top menu bar.
3. Various setting options then appear: Set the storage location, the type of encryption (128- or 256-bit AES encryption) and the image format. Select "Hard disk" as the partition format. Then confirm your entries with "Create".
4. To open the image, you have to enter your specified password. The data can then be used as if it were on another hard drive.

Encrypt hard disk with external programs

With some programs, encryption is even easier. You can find two of them here:

• "TrueCrypt": With this tool you can encrypt individual files or even the entire system.
• "BoxCryptor": With this software you protect your data in clouds like "Dropbox" and "Google Drive".

You can find out how to format your Mac hard drive in this practical tip.