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In this guide, we will learn how to put your password on a folder in macOS. Many users use a password to protect their data on the computer. However, as practice shows, it is not very reliable when it comes to handling important and confidential data. If an attacker has physical access to a computer, it is only a matter of time before the password is reset.
For this guide, I am using macOS Tahoe.
Fortunately, a fairly simple and most important reliable way to secure your data is to put your password on a folder in macOS. Unlike code, when logging in, such a password is almost impossible to “open” because it uses reliable AES encryption algorithms.
All necessary steps can be completed using standard macOS tools. You won’t need to download any third-party apps or programs. Now, let’s proceed directly to setting a password on a folder in macOS.
How to put your password on a folder in macOS?
Step 1: Open your Application Folder
- You can also use the shortcut Command + Shift + A to open your Applications folder, or click Finder. In the left panel, you will see your Applications folder.
Step 2: Open Disk Utility
- Under the Application folder, find the Utilities folder and open it.
- Now, double-click the Disk Utility icon.
Step 3: Create a New Image
- In the top header, click File.
- Now, click “New Image” and then select “Image from Folder.“
- Select the folder where you want to apply the password.
- Click on the Encryption menu and click 128-bit AES encryption.
Step 4: Set the password for the folder
- Enter the password you wish to keep on the folder and verify the password.
- Enter any name of the Image and save the image.
- Click Done.
An encrypted image with a dmg extension will appear next to the original folder. Files can now only be accessed by password in a folder.
- Delete your unprotected folder, but first check the image to ensure that all necessary files are in their correct places. Congratulations, you have successfully put your password on a folder in macOS.
