TMO Quick Tip - Protecting Files with an Encrypted Disk Image

by , 7:30 AM EST, November 28th, 2007

I recently showed how to keep Leopard's pre-built Smart Folders from snooping where you don't want them. A couple of readers pointed out encrypted disk images are really effective at keeping your private documents private, too, and they are absolutely right. If you don't know how to create an encrypted disk image, however, they won't do you much good at all.

Here's how to make your own encrypted disk image:


Password protect your disk image to keep nosey people out.

To mount your disk image on your Desktop, double-click the disk image file and enter the password you created when asked. You can add and remove files from the mounted image just as if it was a real disk connected to a FireWire or USB port.


Your disk image file (left), and the mounted disk image (right).

To keep people from seeing the files stored in your disk image, simple eject the mounted image from your Desktop. All of the documents stored there will be safely locked away and encrypted. The only way to see what's hiding inside the disk image file is to double-click it again and enter the associated password -- even Spotlight can't look inside to see what's there when your image isn't mounted.