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Securing Your macOS: A Guide to Hiding Files and Folders
Setting up a new Mac often involves configuring various security features, such as creating a password, setting up Touch ID, or using Apple Watch authorization. However, even with these measures in place, the chance exists that others may access your macOS system. Whether it’s allowing family members to borrow the MacBook or showing friends your travel photos, maintaining privacy for certain files can be a challenge. The question then arises: how can you safeguard specific folders and files from prying eyes?
This is where the concept of hidden files and folders comes into play. By hiding files, they will not appear during standard browsing in Finder, and with the aid of additional software, you can also set them behind a password for extra security.
Hidden files appear translucent in Finder.
To get started, it may be helpful to view currently hidden files. To do so, open Finder and press Shift+Cmd+. (period). This command reveals all hidden folders and files, albeit in a faded manner to indicate their concealed status.
To hide a file or folder, add a period at the beginning of its name. Here’s how to do it:
- In Finder, select the file or folder you wish to conceal.
- Click on its name to initiate editing.
- Add a period at the start of the file or folder name.
- Press Enter, then choose Use Dot to confirm the change.
The renamed item will now be hidden from regular view but can still be made visible by pressing Shift+Cmd+. again. To restore visibility, simply remove the period from the name and restart Finder by using the Terminal application. Enter the command “killall Finder” followed by Enter to finalize the process.
You can use the Terminal to show or hide files.
If you’d prefer not to rename files with periods, the Terminal application offers an alternative method. Launch Terminal via Spotlight (Cmd+Space) or from the Utilities folder in Applications. You can then type in the following commands:
- Type chflags hidden followed by a space, then drag the specific file or folder into the Terminal window and press Enter.
- To make the file visible again, repeat the process using chflags nohidden.
While these methods are relatively straightforward, they are not foolproof. Anyone familiar with the Shift+Cmd+. shortcut can access these hidden files, so for those seeking stronger security, third-party applications may provide a more robust solution.
Exploring Third-Party Software Options
For a more user-friendly approach to file and folder management, third-party applications can be beneficial. For instance, Funter is a free tool that simplifies the hiding and revealing process, offering an attractive interface situated conveniently in the menu bar. It allows users to toggle hidden files on or off quickly and can also search for hidden files that may have been misplaced.
Encrypto offers a drag-and-drop approach to hiding and locking files and folders.
For those requiring encrypted file storage, Encrypto provides an effective solution. Installation and usage are free, and the process is straightforward:
- Launch the Encrypto application.
- Drag and drop the desired file or folder into the app or select via File > Open.
- Set a desired password to secure the chosen files.
- Click Encrypt.
This interaction generates an encrypted file that contains your selected data, which can be saved anywhere on your Mac. Encrypto also features sharing options, ideal for sending protected files.
To access your locked files, simply double-click the encrypted file. You will be prompted to enter the password, which will then decrypt the files, allowing you to save them as needed.
For added security, consider using Encrypto in tandem with Finder or Terminal’s options to create an encrypted file locker. Even if someone discovers your hidden encrypted files, they would still require your password to access the contents.
Source
www.theverge.com