how do I password protect time machine backup

Question

Level 1

7 points

how do I password protect time machine backup

A friend of mine just had her computer and external hard drive stolen. How do I protect my external hard drive (time machine) from being accessed if stolen?

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.2)

Posted on Oct 1, 2013 8:51 AM

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Answer 1

conker_

Level 1

10 points

Oct 16, 2017 7:44 AM in response to sabatica

Would this also require the passcode for someone one your network to be able to backup to the drive if it were connected to your network?

I would like to connect my external drive to my network with an AirPort Extreme and allow friends to connect to my WiFi without giving them access to my external drive.

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Answer 2

sabatica

Level 2

231 points

Oct 1, 2013 9:05 AM in response to linda66

Simple.

Connect your TM backup disk.
Open System Preferences
go to Time Machine Pref
Click on Select Disk.
Select your TM backup.
Choose to Encrypt Backup.

Job Done. 

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Answer 3

Joe Bailey

Level 6

12,227 points

Oct 1, 2013 9:10 AM in response to linda66

If you have FileVault turned on there is an Option in Time Machine to encrypt the backup. If you do not have FileVault turned on your computer is your biggest vulnerability. You will find a detailed tutorial for turning FileVault on and Encrypting Time Machine here.

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Answer 4

Jan 26, 2017 1:36 PM in response to sabatica

Regarding Step #6 <Choose to Encrypt Backup> This Option/Choice does not show up anywhere.......so what now?

Thanks!

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Answer 5

Eric Root

Level 10

685,221 points

Jan 27, 2017 10:00 AM in response to gooberpeas

If the drive is attached to the computer, in the Finder Sidebar, select the drive, then control - click/Encrypt disk.

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