[HOWTO] - Password protect files and/or folders?

[themacko]

I've got some personal files, ie passwords, quicken data, etc. that I would like to 'lock' with a password. Is there anyway to lock a folder/dir with a password or something?

I know I can just logoff or activate the screensave, but I'd rather not have to do that. Call me lazy.

[simX]

Apple hasn't implemented Folder Action Scripts OR Encryption via its encryption utility, so as it is, it doesn't seem like you can do it via the MacOS itself... I'm sure there are multiple utilities that do it though -- just go to www.versiontracker.com/macosx and search for "encrypt" or something like that.

[themacko]

cool, thanks for the idea

[Asimis]

Try using the Get info dialog. Chosse privileges and for the last two options select none.

[Scotty]

Hey! What a great tip. I just tried this out, and it's a great way to securely backup. Excellent idea, I can't thank you enough!!!

Good thinking, or should I say Thinking Different?

Scotty

[uoba]

Lame secure @ versiontracker.

A freeware password protection for folders, very small, very clean, and usable for day-to-day folder protection.

[Wayn1214]

DO NOT USE LAME SECURE!!!!

I tried this and it CORRUPTED my entire folder, after looking into I found that this has happend to about 20% of lame secure users at one time or another! Though apple showed some short sitedness when it came to protecting your folders there is a VERY simple and effective method, and get this, it's portable and VERY simple to use/create!

Using a "disc image" you can create an incredibly secure and effective protected file. Using the disc image method you essentially create a hypothetical CD that your computer recognizes and can only be accessed via a pass word. One of the greatest advantages of a disc image is that it can store as many folders as needed and can be emailed/down loaded to a USB or CD and moved to a different computer (and will always need a pass word even if moved). So far I have not found anyway to break into a disc image, making it an awesome way to store confidential word documents, other important passwords and, you know, whatever you like ;-).

-here is a site that will show you how to create a disc image, if it is not completely thorough you can simply google search "mac, creating a disc image" and you will get a bountiful amount of links!
"http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1578"

[elander]

You can also use the Keychain Manager to store protected notes. That's what I do to store important information that I don't want others to have access to.