Encryption Software

[PricklyPete]

So what is the best software for the money to use for encrypting a few files that I like to keep stored locally on my computer?

For reference, I'm using 10.5 with 10.6 probably getting installed in the next 6 months. I use Time Machine regularly and do occasional backups with SuperDuper! for full system backups that I leave at home for protection.

What are you guys using? Any suggestions and possible issues that I should be aware of/concerned about?

 

[scootermaster]

Truecrypt

Free, crossplatform (Windows, Mac, Unix) and, like, "scares the government"-level encryption if you want.

 

[sourceninja]

If it's only for OSX, I'd use a encrypted DMG, 256 AES is nothing to shake a stick at. For multi-platform, I'd use truecrypt.

 

[PricklyPete]

Thanks for the suggestions. So how do you create an encrypted DMG on the Mac? I tried to look it up on mac help and didn't see any exact results. I will definitely check out Truecrypt.

 

[scootermaster]

Originally posted by: sourceninja
If it's only for OSX, I'd use a encrypted DMG, 256 AES is nothing to shake a stick at. For multi-platform, I'd use truecrypt.

My favorite thing about Truecrypt is the docs where they explain an encryption method where "interrogating officials" can't actually prove anything is there at all and when or where they might be applicable.

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: PricklyPete
Thanks for the suggestions. So how do you create an encrypted DMG on the Mac? I tried to look it up on mac help and didn't see any exact results. I will definitely check out Truecrypt.

You go to Disk Utility
Select 'New Image' from the Toolbar
Give it a name
Give it a size
Choose the format (Mac OS Extended (Journaled)) will work
Image Format, I prefer Sparse Images

Go through all that, and then create it.

Now you choose your password

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: TheStu

Originally posted by: PricklyPete
Thanks for the suggestions. So how do you create an encrypted DMG on the Mac? I tried to look it up on mac help and didn't see any exact results. I will definitely check out Truecrypt.

You go to Disk Utility
Select 'New Image' from the Toolbar
Give it a name
Give it a size
Choose the format (Mac OS Extended (Journaled)) will work
Image Format, I prefer Sparse Images

Go through all that, and then create it.

Now you choose your password

Awesome...thanks. I'll check this out.

 

[PricklyPete]

Did the Encrypted DMG...that's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for the tips guys.