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TOP 6 Best Encryption Software for Mac

Dave Miller with Online Cloud Security

Dave Miller – Tech Enthusiast & Security Expert – March 11th, 2022

top 6 most secure encryption software for mac

On the Mac, Encryption is complex, but it is the best way to protect your data, which leads to the question of the best encryption software for Mac? Data is becoming increasingly important in our personal lives and our economic success and security. That information must get kept safe because different authority’s plans to control this critical type of security, no matter how well-intentioned, might jeopardize our safety.

We have a lot of data stored on our devices, and we have no idea who is looking for it. Our digitalization is susceptible to attack by cybercriminals. Nearly every service or gadget we use to live our lives online comes with encryption, but what if you want to use your encryption software for Mac?

Continue reading because that’s why I’m here today: to teach you how to match industry security criteria to prevent data leaks.

Table of Contents

You Bought or Already Have a Mac Device – Do You Need Encryption Software?

Everyone who spends a considerable amount of time online should consider cybersecurity, which applies to Mac users. While it is true that Macs are much less likely to be targeted because there are fewer Macs than PCs, this is not the case. Over the last decade, Apple’s Mac has proven to be a serious challenger to Microsoft’s Windows operating system.

Fact: Apple sold 13% of all Computer units in the United States in the final quarter of 2021 and is placed fourth among suppliers in terms of PC deliveries in the United States.

However, with the rise of Mac-specific cyber attacks in recent years, many consumers have begun to doubt the security of Macs. The reason for this is that no system is entirely secure. So, the final truth is that these Macs and PCs are highly vulnerable to cyberattacks and online dangers. Users of both computer systems should immediately take the appropriate precautions to safeguard their data. Apple also protects you against harmful software and provides you choice over if and how your data is accessed. The MacOS has a built-in disk encryption tool called FileVault. It gets meant to encrypt your Mac’s hard disk as well as all of the data on it, which I’ll go over in more detail in the next sections of this article. But, to add to that effort, you may need additional encryption software for Mac at your disposal.

Encryption Software For Mac – Top 6 Best Options

Here are my top selections for the best encryption software for Mac; these alternatives will put an end to your search for a secure way to save your data.

1. FileVault2 – Mac’s Own Encryption Tool

You may use FileVault 2 to better shield papers and other data on your startup drive from being accessed. OS X Lion and subsequent versions have the FileVault2. To prevent unwanted access to the data on your startup drive, it employs XTS-AES-128 encryption with such a 256-bit key. The onboard system may get configured to encrypt all data saved on disk to avoid data theft by anybody without access or account credentials.

Users can use their iCloud credentials or create a recovery key. When your device falls asleep, the screen saver is on, or you lock the window, it demands your master password. The software also allows creating a master password if your current one is forgotten or lost.

Encryption takes place in the background while you’re using your Mac, and only when you switch it on and connect it into an outlet. To find out the actual progress, you can go to the FileVault area in the Security & Privacy options to see how far you’ve come. It is immediately encrypted when you save a new file to your starting drive.

Note: Businesses should not assume FileVault to be a complete and reliable data security solution. It’s an excellent feature for assuring a minimal degree of encryption and security.

Pros

Cons

2. Concealer - Hide and Encrypt Files and Passwords on Your Mac

Concealer is a decent Mac-only encryption application that uses a drag-and-drop interface to encrypt files, directories, passwords, and even software. Concealer’s encrypted repository serves as its foundation, and everything you encrypt ends in this folder, protected by a master password. One of its other significant benefits is creating and organizing folders using preset designs for different accounts, including email, bank accounts, software registration, etc.

The encrypt program employs the most robust encryption technology currently available, AES 256-bit, making it nearly hard for anybody to crack any data without your password. It costs $19.99 for a single lifetime license or $34.99 for activation on five devices. Students and academics receive a 30% discount, plus there’s an unlimited free trial that lets you encrypt a tiny quantity of data.

If you want an easy way to encrypt data and save passwords, Concealer could be worth it. Concealer isn’t the most powerful tool, and it only supports one form of encryption. Still, it’s also a lot more user-friendly.

Pros

Cons

3. Cisdem AppCrypt for Mac

Due to its ease of use and efficacy, Cisdem AppCrypt for Mac is the finest encryption software for keeping programs safe from outsiders. It’s similar to the app locks on your iPhone, which needs a password to use the app. It creates an allowlist for trustworthy users and a blocklist for questionable access. Cisdem does not encrypt individual files, but it does encrypt the program that opens them all.

You can quickly add or delete applications that AppCrypt can encrypt while you’re in the app by dragging and dropping them or using the Add App button. You may also set a timer for when you can access the app or website. The specified sessions can take place on any day and at any hour that you like. Every week, the schedule would automatically repeat. No one can modify your scheduling settings without your password. AppCrypt, which runs in the background, requires minimal CPU when operating and none when inactive.

From a business standpoint, AppCrypt is a critical network management solution. It can eliminate any distractions and help your staff focus on their present activities. A lifetime license costs $29.99 with one Mac, $59.98 for two Macs, and $149.95 for five Macs. There’s also a free version with less functionality.

Pros

Cons

4. GNU Privacy Guard – Email Encryption Software

GNU Privacy Guard is a Mac encryption program that combines basic symmetric-key cryptography with public-key cryptography. The most exemplary free email encryption program available is GNU Privacy Guard, also known as GPG or GnuPG. It primarily includes a flexible key management system that protects your privacy and the privacy of others with whom you communicate. You’ll need a pair of keys to utilize the GnuPG system. Each is a lengthy string of numbers and characters created randomly and distinct to you. A specific mathematical function links your secret keys together.

It can encrypt email messages and attachments like PDF documents and photos. Only the sender and receiver are allowed to see the content of an encrypted email. GnuPG is a comprehensive implementation of the RFC4880-defined OpenPGP standard. However, you may find it challenging to interpret the keys once they are gone.

Note that this email encryption program can only encrypt the email’s content, not the subject line.

Pros

Cons

5. VeraCrypt - Open-Source Disk Encryption

IDRIX has released VeraCrypt, a free disk encryption program. The program gets based on TrueCrypt. Since its first release in 2013, several enhancements and optimizations have got made. Surprisingly, Veracrypt employs complex security techniques that protect your Mac from future brute-force attacks. It also addresses several of TrueCrypt’s flaws and security problems.

You may encrypt a file, a partition, or the entire storage device and build a digital encrypted disk and containers inside a file. It may also protect your folder in a configurable way, thanks to on-the-fly encryption (OTEF). For a more personalized experience, you may also supply information about your data, such as volume, size, and location. You can build your encrypted volumes any size you choose, password secures them and selects a filesystem format.

MacOS, Windows, and Linux are all supported by the program. VeraCrypt is fantastic if you’re serious about encryption. It’s a little tricky to set up, which may be off-putting to novices. You must first install max fuse, a utility that enhances macOS’ native file management, before you can install VeraCrypt. Because max fuse requires launching your Mac into the Startup Security Utility and reducing your Mac’s security to activate the extension, it must first get installed.

Pros

Cons

6. The MacPaw Hider 2

Personal data security and privacy are essential to you. The MacPaw Hider 2 respects the concept of privacy since it enables us to operate independently. Hider 2 allows you to conceal and encrypt data on your Mac safely. You may organize your files and documents into groups. You also get an auto-lock function, which allows the app to lock itself after a particular second or whatever duration you specify if you’re not using it.

It uses the most secure encryption technique available, AES-256. It also works with external drives and encrypts data before totally disconnecting it. You may hide any form of a note, document, photo, or another item in Hider 2’s vault and will remain safe and secure. This app’s simple user interface makes it ideal for usage by any typical user.

It needs OS X 10.8, and an individual Mac license costs $19.95. The software gets installed quickly, which is commendable and typical of MacBook apps. In either case, the user receives greetings by a friendly tutorial explaining what the software is about. Overall, Hider 2 is a smooth, fantastic little tool for anyone searching for a digital hideaway. The encryption is an added plus.

Pros

Cons

What Will Encryption Software Do For Your Mac Computer?

Encryption, to put it simply, is the act of encoding data so that it stays concealed from or unavailable to unauthorized users. It can also help secure sensitive data, increase communication safety among customers, employees, and servers, or safeguard your data.

This information might range from payment information to personal information. Unencrypted data gets referred to as plaintext in computing, whereas encrypted data is called ciphertext. Encryption algorithms are the complex forms used to encode and decode communications.

Most of us use many devices in our everyday lives, and transporting data from one device to another can be risky. While data is getting transmitted between devices, encryption technology secures it. Given your concern for your files and information privacy, it shouldn’t get read without your consent. In that instance, encryption should get used to obtaining the relief sign.

Factors to look into Before Buying Encryption Software for Mac

There is lots of encryption software for Mac; nevertheless, keep in mind that when making an intelligent purchase, you should consider reliability and multi-function by evaluating the elements below

Security – Encryption Type

There are a variety of encryption methods to choose from. Choose the safest one and places your data at the top of their priority list. For unskilled users, specific Mac encryption software with higher protection may be challenging to set up and operate. If all you want to do is encrypt a couple of files on the local computer, practically all of the solutions I’ve listed above can do it.

Ease of Usage and Time Saver

There are a variety of encryption methods to choose from. Choose the safest one and places your data at the top of their priority list. For unskilled users, specific Mac encryption software with higher protection may be challenging to set up and operate. If all you want to do is encrypt a couple of files on the local computer, practically all of the solutions I’ve listed above can do it.

Look for Cloud Storage If Needed

Because of the nature of the encryption process, encrypted files are more extensive than their originals, and you will use storage space over time. Some software connects to your current storage accounts, while others provide paid cloud storage services. So, it’s up to you whether you want to go with a cloud storage option or stick with your local store.

Price, Licenses, and Features

If you’re looking for encryption software for Mac, either for personal or business use, you’ll want to consider how much it costs and what features it has before deciding. Don’t forget to try out their free trial versions first to see whether it’s right for you.

Note: There is some free encryption software available, but free software is not always as good as paid software, considering the added features

Bottom Line

The encryption software for Mac that I listed has its own set of Pros and Cons that you can evaluate based on their features. Select an application that will password-protect your data, optimize your system, and give you a comprehensive troubleshooting toolset in general. The default encryption provided by macOS FileVault is sufficient to protect your data. It’s built-in, it is indeed free, and it’s an excellent method to secure your data. Also, any option from the above list will suffice if you want more security.

Depending on how much data gets saved on your Mac, it may take a little time to encrypt, but the extra security will be worth the effort. Also, please keep a record of your password and save it safely. You won’t be able to view the encrypted data without it.

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Dave Miller with Online Cloud Security

Dave Miller

IT Consultant at Online Cloud Security

Dave Miller is an IT Consultant for Online Cloud Security and has over 7 years of experience in the Information Technology space. He also specializes in repairing laptops & computers. In his spare time, he loves to talk about new technologies and hosts monthly IT and Cyber Security meetings in the Houston area.

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About Online Cloud Security:

Online Cloud Security is here to recommend you the most secure devices, from laptops to smartphones, we only want to provide you with products that we have tested and used ourselves for online security. Every product that we recommend is heavily inspected and tested for security against hackers, viruses, malware, and any other intruders that may want to steal your information. 

Recent Posts:

Online Cloud Security Logo (500x500px)

About Online Cloud Security

Online Cloud Security is here to recommend you the most secure devices, from laptops to smartphones, we only want to provide you with products that we have tested and used ourselves for online security. Every product that we recommend is heavily inspected and tested for security against hackers, viruses, malware, and any other intruders that may want to steal your information. 

Recent Posts: