Protecting Files From Being Seen?

RusticBohemian · Nov 26, 2010

I've got some files I'd like to make so no one on my computer can look at unless they have a password.

Failing that, I need some other way to make them off limits while still being accessible.

Can anyone tell me how I can do this? Thanks.

McYukon · Nov 26, 2010

Hello, Welcome to Mac-Forums

The best way would be to put the files into a secure disk image,
How to Use Encrypted Disk Images to Secure Files | Macinstruct

RadioSaigon · Nov 26, 2010

RusticBohemian said:
I've got some files I'd like to make so no one on my computer can look at unless they have a password...

Hmmmm... wouldn't a simple User account meet this requirement? If each user on your computer has their own, unique User Account, they will not (by default) be able to access another users' documents, other than those stored in a location specifically designated as "shared" or "public".

No need to make it any harder than needs be I reckon.

McBie · Nov 27, 2010

RadioSaigon is correct.
Just create another user account on your Mac and you're done.

Cheers ... McBie

RusticBohemian · Nov 27, 2010

So that would stop them from viewing the files? Would everyone have to log in when turning on the computer?

How do I create another account?

McYukon said:
Hello, Welcome to Mac-Forums

The best way would be to put the files into a secure disk image,
How to Use Encrypted Disk Images to Secure Files | Macinstruct

McYukon · Nov 27, 2010

Thursday How-To: Create a New User Account | MacTalk Australia

For just keeping other people that use your computer from seeing your files this is the best option, as pointed out above.

technologist · Nov 28, 2010

McYukon said:
Thursday How-To: Create a New User Account | MacTalk Australia

For just keeping other people that use your computer from seeing your files this is the best option, as pointed out above.

You don't even have to do that, unless you expect this person to use your computer often and keep files on it.

Otherwise, just un-check the automatic login box and check the enable guest account box. Done.

McYukon · Nov 28, 2010

Headaches and forums don't mix apparently.

Linuxmint · Nov 29, 2010

Here's a app to password protect files.

MacHider - Cutting edge solution to hide your private data

Oneironaut · Nov 29, 2010

The very easiest thing for you to do is go into System Preferences>System>Accounts. There, create a new account by clicking the little plus sign at the bottom left. (You may have to click the little padlock icon just under that and enter your password.)

Create a new account, provide a password and be sure to uncheck the box that says "Allow user to administer this computer." You can let other people use the Guest account, but none of its settings will be saved whenever you log out of it. So it's better to give everyone who uses your Mac their own account.

kiteboarder · Nov 30, 2010

I think the separate user thing is fine for low-level security between respectful users of the same computer.

HOWEVER... The password protect for user accounts can EASILY be hacked. Easily!

So when it comes to really protecting private files such as a password list, sensitive financial info, nude pics of wife, you NEED a system that is fail-safe and nearly impossible to crack.

Say you die... and you don't want anybody to open those files, EVER. A simply user account won't do. The people cleaning out your estate will very easily have access to do whatever they want with those files. Or say your computer gets stolen... Think about that.

So... The real question is:

What is the most SECURE system to password protect private files.

technologist · Nov 30, 2010

kiteboarder said:
I think the separate user thing is fine for low-level security between respectful users of the same computer.

HOWEVER... The password protect for user accounts can EASILY be hacked. Easily!

So when it comes to really protecting private files such as a password list, sensitive financial info, nude pics of wife, you NEED a system that is fail-safe and nearly impossible to crack.

Say you die... and you don't want anybody to open those files, EVER. A simply user account won't do. The people cleaning out your estate will very easily have access to do whatever they want with those files. Or say your computer gets stolen... Think about that.

So... The real question is:

What is the most SECURE system to password protect private files.

Well, that's a totally separate question from what the original poster was asking.

Frankly, if you're dead, you'd want your estate to have your passwords and financial info. And presumably, if you're married, it would be your wife who would be handling your estate, so any pictures of her would be, well, nothing new.

For theft and everything else, there's File Vault, and Full-disk encryption products like PGP WDE.