How To Lock Folders For Privacy ???

Hi

I recently added personal information to a file that I would like to keep private in a folder, i double clicked the file > get information > and checked the Locked box. a lock icon appears next to the folder but the folder does not lock, each time I attempt to open the folder it opens.. what am I doing wrong?

"Locking" a folder only prevents you from writing anything new to it, not viewing its contents.

What you want is a password-protected or encrypted folder. You can create one via third party programs like Cryptor (and there are many others), or if you can create an encrypted disk image that can expand in size via Disk Utility.

Be careful of programs that offer to make your secure folders invisible -- unless you REALLY trust your memory!!

Bottom line, however, is that you can achieve much BETTER security on your data by simply not allowing anyone else physical access to your account. Set them up with their own account instead -- they won't be able to access your data.

There is software (Like Espionage) out there that will let you lock a folder with a password, a much better solution would be to put those file(s) into a secure DMG.
Follow these instructions on how to create a secure DMG.

EDIT: Chas beat me to it.

musicmad said:

Hi

I recently added personal information to a file that I would like to keep private in a folder, i double clicked the file > get information > and checked the Locked box. a lock icon appears next to the folder but the folder does not lock, each time I attempt to open the folder it opens.. what am I doing wrong?

Click to expand...

Take a step back man ....

Maybe you should start by explaining what it is that you are trying to achieve.
Give us a description of your ' problem space ' instead of immediately jumping into the ' solution space '.
Confidentiality of data / information can be achieved in a number of ways, and each of them has pro's and con's.

What are the threats that you are concerned about ?

Cheers ... McBie

McBie has it right, a description of what type of content you are attempting to protect, why and from whom would provide better solutions.

For much of the simple private data, using Secure Notes in Keychain may be all you need. No one would be able to access it without your password.

What you want is a password-protected or encrypted folder. You can create one via third party programs like Cryptor

Click to expand...

Thanks! Chas, will download and install. I luv this forum, each time i post a question i receive an immediate response, you're all very supportive, thanks to the Mac Forum community.

It would be a nice feature for OS X to have though, considering it is such a simple feature! "Password to open this file"
....and before anyone reads this and harps on about me wanting my Mac to behave like windozzzzze, don't bother, as you would be totally mistaken ;P

I have only the one admin account and do let my trusted friends (I have only trusted friends) use my Mac.
I do have my backups, so if anything were accidently altered, it would be no biggy at all, and I have nothing so sensitive that if discovered by prying eyes, or modified, would be the end of my world.
As I say, I have my backups, as well as extra backups of my musical recordings, but it does seem silly to me that if I were to want just one file or folder protected that I would have to set up a new account, use an encrypted disk image, or a third party app to create an encrypted folder!
Also, "yes, I will send Apple another suggestion" LOL

It would be a nice feature for OS X to have though, considering it is such a simple feature! "Password to open this file"

Click to expand...

But it does seem silly to me that if I were to want just one file or folder protected that I would have to set up a new account, use an encrypted disk image, or a third party app to create an encrypted folder!

Click to expand...

I agree 6string.

For the ladies out there who want to hide personal flies from us guys, just label the folder "Instruction Manuals" and we'll stay far away from it. ;D

Unfortunately for us guys, I don't think there's an equally effective solution...

chud said:

for the ladies out there who want to hide personal flies from us guys, just label the folder "instruction manuals" and we'll stay far away from it. ;d

unfortunately for us guys, i don't think there's an equally effective solution...

Click to expand...

lol

Chud said:

For the ladies out there who want to hide personal flies from us guys, just label the folder "Instruction Manuals" and we'll stay far away from it. ;D

Unfortunately for us guys, I don't think there's an equally effective solution...

Click to expand...

Oh really ? How about :

" Fantasy *your choice of sport here* League Stats "

Doug

Making folders private

McBie said:

Take a step back man ....

Maybe you should start by explaining what it is that you are trying to achieve.
Give us a description of your ' problem space ' instead of immediately jumping into the ' solution space '.
Confidentiality of data / information can be achieved in a number of ways, and each of them has pro's and con's.

What are the threats that you are concerned about ?

Cheers ... McBie

Click to expand...

Thanks McBie - hope you can help - just moved to Mac.
Got an iMac 3 weeks ago and am in discovery mode. I need to take it back to iStore to sort out a problem (Mac wont update) and while there they can also install new OS Lion.
On purchase the iStore helped move all Window Files and Outlook to iMac - all ok.
How would I go about giving the technician access to iMac to perform the above tasks without having access to items like iTunes/MacMail/DocumentFolders etc.
I understand that to change OS to Lion he needs access -
If the above can be done while I wait - I may not be so concerned - however, if I have to leave the Mac overnight then I would like to have the areas of concern well protected.
Can you suggest or recommend an easy to use and effective solution?
Much appreciated, TIA
Haz