How do I encrypt or password protect the external hard drive I use for backups
How do I encrypt or password protect the external hard drive that I use for backups
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 12.3
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How do I encrypt or password protect the external hard drive that I use for backups
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 12.3
Hi, thanks for everyone’s help on this. It appears it can be done on a TM drive but it’s going to take a while. So I’m going to have to schedule a time to sort it. I think I can say problem solved. Thanks once again.
Hi, thanks for everyone’s help on this. It appears it can be done on a TM drive but it’s going to take a while. So I’m going to have to schedule a time to sort it. I think I can say problem solved. Thanks once again.
Hi JoeBar44,
If you haven't already erased your backup drive, you may be able to encrypt it while preserving your backups. While this process is the most secure option, it may take a long time to complete. Be sure to always properly eject your drive before physically disconnecting it to ensure that the encryption process isn't disrupted.
Unfortunately, Finder doesn't seem to offer an option to encrypt Time Machine backup drives in the Finder. However, you can accomplish this in Terminal:
JoeBar44 wrote:
Hi it is a Time Machine backup drive. I get messages stating although my Mac is encrypted my external drive isn’t.
That is normal. Turning on FileVault on your Mac doesn't automatically encrypt your external Time Machine backup drive.
Hi,
If it's not a TimeMachine backup drive, select it in Finder > right click or Control click on it > select Encrypt.
Hi it is a Time Machine backup drive. I get messages stating although my Mac is encrypted my external drive isn’t.
You can format to APFS encrypted and start a new TM drive if so desired.
Ah okay thanks. I was concerned about my TM back up not being secure. I’m new to Macs so still learning about these things.
tbirdvet wrote:
You can format to APFS encrypted and start a new TM drive if so desired.
Yes, but doing that would leave the previous data unsecured (unencrypted).
You need to start fresh with the backup.
Thanks for posting! Glad to help.
Quick correction to my previous command, if you choose to use it: diskutil apfs encrypt "driveName" -user disk
How do I encrypt or password protect the external hard drive I use for backups