The Best 8 Data Encryptors for Mac – Keep Your Sensitive Information Safe and Secure!

If you use a Mac, you’re probably aware of just how secure it is. Apple’s macOS operating system is known to be very resistant to common hacking tactics and viruses. However, as with any computer or device, it’s still important to take steps to protect your data from any unauthorized access. One way to do that is to encrypt your files. By encrypting your data, you can be assured that even if someone gains access to your computer, they won’t be able to view the encrypted files without the proper key.

The problem is that there are dozens of encryption tools available for Mac. Knowing which ones are reliable and effective can be a challenge. To help you decide, we’ve put together a list of what we consider to be the 8 best data encryptors for Mac currently on the market. Each tool on this list has been carefully evaluated based on a series of key criteria, including encryption strength, ease of use, affordability, and more.

Video Tutorial:

What is Mac Data Encryption?

In simple terms, data encryption is the process by which data is converted into a secret code that can only be understood by those who have the key to unlock it. It’s an essential tool in the modern digital age, as it helps to prevent the theft, interception, and unauthorized access of data in transit or at rest.

With a Mac, there are several options available for encrypting files, folders, or entire disks. Some of these methods are built right into the operating system, while others require the use of third-party software. The best method for you depends on the level of protection you need and the types of files you are dealing with.

Top 8 Mac Data Encryptors Recommendation

1. VeraCrypt (Free)

VeraCrypt is a free and open-source data encryption tool that allows you to create encrypted containers or entire encrypted volumes on your Mac. It’s based on the now-defunct TrueCrypt project but has been updated with new security features and bug fixes. One of the key advantages of VeraCrypt is that it supports a wide range of encryption algorithms, including AES, Serpent, and Twofish, making it an excellent choice for those who need a high level of customization. VeraCrypt also has an intuitive user interface and is very easy to use.

Pros:

• Free and open-source software
• Supports multiple encryption algorithms
• Intuitive user interface

Cons:

• No official support for Mac, so some features may not work as expected
• May cause slower performance on older Macs
• Can be complicated for beginners to configure

2. AxCrypt (Freemium)

AxCrypt is a popular data encryption tool for Mac that offers an excellent balance of simplicity and security. It’s available as a freemium package, with the free version allowing you to encrypt individual files or folders. The paid version offers more advanced features, such as the ability to encrypt entire disks and cloud storage services. One of the key benefits of AxCrypt is that it’s incredibly easy to use – simply right-click on the file or folder you want to encrypt and select “Encrypt”. The encryption process is fast and straightforward.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Supports the encryption of entire disks and cloud storage
• Reasonably priced premium package

Cons:

• Free package is limited in functionality
• Support can be slow to respond to issues
• No support for encrypting system files or settings

3. BitLocker (Built-in)

BitLocker is a built-in encryption tool that’s included with newer versions of macOS. It allows you to encrypt entire disks and external drives and is one of the most secure encryption tools available. With BitLocker, you have the option of using your Mac’s Trusted Platform Module (TPM) to store encryption keys, ensuring that only authorized users can access the encrypted data.

Pros:

• Built-in to macOS
• Extremely secure encryption
• Supports the use of TPM for improved security

Cons:

• Doesn’t work with older versions of macOS
• Can slow down performance on older Macs
• Requires the use of a TPM module for the best security

4. Boxcryptor (Freemium)

Boxcryptor is a data encryption tool that’s designed to work seamlessly with a variety of cloud storage services, including Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. It uses powerful encryption technologies to protect your data as it is transmitted to and from these services, ensuring that your sensitive information is always secure. One of the biggest benefits of Boxcryptor is that it’s incredibly easy to use – simply install the software and start encrypting your files and folders. There’s also a free version available for those who only need basic encryption functionality.

Pros:

• Integrates with a variety of cloud storage services
• Easy to use
• Offers a range of pricing options, including a free package

Cons:

• Encryption can impact the performance of cloud synchronization
• May not work with certain cloud storage services
• The free package is limited in functionality

5. Disk Utility (Built-in)

Disk Utility is another built-in tool provided by Apple that can be used to encrypt individual files, folders, or entire disks. It uses AES-128 encryption, a highly secure algorithm that’s widely used in government and corporate settings. One of the benefits of Disk Utility is that it’s very easy to use, with a straightforward interface that’s perfect for beginners. It’s also one of the most cost-effective encryption tools available since it’s built into the operating system and doesn’t require any additional software to be installed.

Pros:

• Built into macOS
• Uses a highly secure encryption algorithm
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Limited in functionality compared to other tools on this list
• May not provide strong enough encryption for certain use cases
• Only supports the use of a single encryption algorithm

6. CipherShed (Free)

CipherShed is a fork of the popular, now-defunct TrueCrypt project. It’s a highly secure data encryption tool that supports a wide range of encryption algorithms and ciphers. There’s no limit to the number of volumes you can create, making it an ideal choice for organizations that need to encrypt large quantities of data. It also has an intuitive user interface that’s easy to navigate, even for beginners.

Pros:

• Free and open-source software
• Supports a wide range of encryption algorithms
• Includes a step-by-step wizard to guide users through the encryption process

Cons:

• May be too complicated for some users to configure
• Not well-suited for individual files or folders
• Some users have reported issues with the mount process

7. GnuPG (Free)

GnuPG is an open-source data encryption tool that uses strong encryption algorithms to keep your data safe from prying eyes. It allows you to encrypt individual files, folders, or entire disks, and also supports digital signatures for added security. GnuPG can be used in conjunction with a variety of email clients, making it an ideal choice for those who need a high level of encryption for their communications. It’s also completely free to use, making it an affordable choice for those on a tight budget.

Pros:

• Free and open-source software
• Supports a wide range of encryption algorithms
• Can be used with a variety of email clients for secure communication

Cons:

• Can be difficult for beginners to use
• May not provide as many customization options as some other tools
• Not as intuitive as other encryption tools on this list

8. Encrypto (Free)

Encrypto is a lightweight data encryption tool that’s designed to be easy to use. It allows you to encrypt individual files or folders using a simple drag-and-drop interface. Encrypted files can be sent via email or other means, and recipients can decrypt the files using a password or shared key. One of the biggest benefits of Encrypto is that it’s completely free to use – making it an ideal choice for those on a tight budget.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Uses strong encryption algorithms to protect data
• Completely free to use

Cons:

• Limited in functionality compared to other encryption tools
• May not provide as robust encryption as some other tools
• Doesn’t support the encryption of entire disks

Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software

Our Thoughts on Mac Data Encryptors

After testing each of the encryption tools on this list, we believe that the best choice for most users is VeraCrypt. While it’s not the easiest tool to configure, it offers a wide range of encryption algorithms and customizability options that make it ideal for a variety of use cases. However, we also recognize that not everyone needs the level of customization that VeraCrypt provides – in those cases, we recommend AxCrypt or Encrypto. Both of these tools are incredibly easy to use and provide robust encryption features that are more than sufficient for most users.

FAQs

Q1: Do I need to encrypt all of my files or just the sensitive ones?

A: Ideally, it’s best to encrypt all of your files. Even seemingly unimportant files can contain sensitive information that can be exploited by identity thieves or hackers. By encrypting all of your files, you ensure that your data is protected regardless of its level of sensitivity.

Q2: If I encrypt my files, will it impact their performance?

A: Yes, encryption can impact the performance of your files and your Mac. However, the degree to which it impacts performance depends on the encryption algorithm you choose and the processing power of your Mac. Some encryption algorithms are more resource-intensive than others, so be sure to select an algorithm that won’t negatively impact your Mac’s performance.

Q3: Can I still share encrypted files with others?

A: Yes, you can still share encrypted files with others – but they’ll need the proper keys or passwords to decrypt them. Be sure to provide clear instructions on how to use the encryption tool you’ve selected and how to decrypt files once they’ve been received.

Q4: Can I remove encryption from my files if I no longer need it?

A: Yes, you can remove encryption from your files, folders, or disks at any time. However, the process for doing so varies depending on the encryption tool you’ve chosen. Be sure to review the documentation for your encryption tool carefully to ensure that you remove encryption in a safe and effective way.

Q5: Will encryption protect my files from all threats?

A: No, while encryption is a powerful tool for protecting your data, it’s not foolproof. There are still some ways that an attacker could gain access to your encrypted files, such as by stealing your encryption keys or using a brute force attack to guess your password. However, encryption is still one of the most effective ways to protect your data from most types of threats.

Final Thoughts

Overall, encrypting your files and data is an essential step that every Mac user should consider taking. By doing so, you can be sure that your sensitive information is protected from prying eyes and unauthorized access. Whether you choose a built-in macOS tool or a third-party encryption tool, be sure to select one that meets your specific needs and provides the level of protection you require.