Do l want to select Disk Encryption on a new iMac M4?

veehbJ wrote:

I did not select it and went on with the install. Would still like advice as to whether to use Disks Encryption on not.

All Macs since 2018 are encrypted by default. You can’t disable it. The option to which you speak is whether to enable FileVault. Without FileVault enabled, the encryption key is automatically applied to decrypt. With FileVault, encryption key access is controlled by the authorized users.

If I am not mistaken

The drives in Apple Silicon Computers are already encrypted " Right Out of the Box ".

FileVault adds an additional level of encryption to the entire drive and does it Bit by Bit

How does FileVault work on a Mac?

" If you have a Mac with Apple silicon or an Apple T2 Security Chip, your data is encrypted automatically.

Turning on FileVault provides an extra layer of security by keeping someone from decrypting or getting access to your data without entering your login password. "

Intro to FileVault

Without sensitive data, why on earth would you want to add another password door between you and your data? Some people forget this password and find themselves locked out of drive access. No fun there.

I have never used disk encryption, even on my M4 Mac Mini Pro. I wouldn't recommend using it unless you actually have sensitive data, and then, that would be debatable with proper length user passwords on the Mac, the data itself, network devices, and do not participate in malware-invasive web or email behavior.

Ian R. Brown wrote:

It's not slow but I don't use FV.

I did not know about the default encryption but I daresay it uses some processing power.

The T2 chip or the Apple Silicon equivalent does hardware decryption independent of the CPU.

I have never used FileVault on desktop Macs because I guess sometimes in some very rare circumstances it might cause problems and desktop Macs are behind locked doors anyway. But maybe I am too cautious about very rare FileVault problems? All not-too sensitive info is behind the login password and more-sensitive info like KeePassXC passwords are behind its password or maybe in encrypted disk images.

Not using FileVault on external test volumes enables me to boot them with auto-login.

On the other hand, I have enabled FileVault on my Mac laptops because they might be lost or stolen and I then want an extra barrier for prying eyes.

I have never used it and wouldn't because it will slow down the computer and if you ever forget your password you will be locked out forever.

I don't know anyone who uses it.

Your banking details already have more than enough security.

If you had the fiscal resources of Fort Knox and everyone knew about it, there might be some reason to consider encryption.

I ran a test on vs off and saw no difference if used. If it was it was extremely small on an M4 Mac Mini

VikingOSX wrote:

Without sensitive data, why on earth would you want to add another password door between you and your data?

I have never forgotten my login password, and my data is backed up unencrypted so it’s of very little concern. I can’t think of a reason I wouldn’t want my laptop fully encrypted in case it’s stolen.

Some people forget this password and find themselves locked out of drive access.

i’m not sure how that’s possible when it’s used every day, sometimes multiple times a day. That seems like a whole different problem that probably needs medical attention.

I have never used it and wouldn't because it will slow down the computer

Do you not own a Mac made after 2018? If you do, is it slow?

It's not slow but I don't use FV.

I did not know about the default encryption but I daresay it uses some processing power.