Encrypted Volumes

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MacOS

Create an encrypted .dmg image file on Mac (Source: Apple)

  • In the Disk Utility app on your Mac, choose File > New Image > Blank Image.
  • Enter a filename for the disk image, add tags if necessary, then choose where to save it. This is the name that appears in the Finder, where you save the disk image file before opening it.
  • In the Name field, enter the name for the disk image. This is the name that appears on your desktop and in the Finder sidebar, after you open the disk image.
  • In the Size field, enter a size for the disk image.
  • Click the Format pop-up menu, then choose a format:
    • If you’re using the encrypted disk image with a Mac computer using macOS 10.13 or later, choose APFS or APFS (Case-sensitive).
    • If you’re using the encrypted disk image with a Mac computer using macOS 10.12 or earlier, choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled) or Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled).
  • Click the Encryption pop-up menu, then choose an encryption option.
  • Enter and re-enter a password to unlock the disk image, then click Choose. WARNING: If you forget this password, you won’t be able to open the disk image and view any of the files.
  • Use the default settings for the rest of the options:
    • Click the Partitions pop-up menu, then choose Single partition - GUID Partition Map.
    • Click the Image Format pop-up menu, then choose read/write disk image.
  • Click Save, then click Done.
  • Disk Utility creates the disk image file where you saved it in the Finder and mounts its disk icon on your desktop and in the Finder sidebar.
  • In the Finder, copy the documents you want to protect to the disk image.
  • If you want to erase the original documents so they can’t be recovered, drag them to the Trash, then choose Finder > Empty Trash.

Windows

Installation

  • VeraCrypt
  • follow the setup wizard instructions (use the defaults)
  • if VeraCrypt is not working for you, try using one of the other free services found here

Usage

Use Veracrypt to create an Encrypted Volume

  • follow the beginners tutorial here
  • add the password to your personal Keepass Database so you don't forget it
    Add a password in Keepass