Encrypted disk images are a powerful tool for securing sensitive data on your macOS system. They allow you to create a virtual disk that can be encrypted and password-protected, ensuring that only authorized users can access the contents. This is particularly important for protecting personal information, confidential business documents, or any other sensitive data from unauthorized access. In this article, we will explore how to create and manage encrypted disk images using built-in macOS tools like Disk Utility and Terminal.

Examples:

Using Disk Utility

1. Open Disk Utility:

   • Navigate to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.

2. Create a New Image:

   • Click on File in the menu bar, then select New Image > Blank Image.

3. Configure the Disk Image:

   • Save As: Choose a name for your disk image file.
   • Name: Enter a name for the disk that will appear when mounted.
   • Size: Specify the size of the disk image.
   • Format: Choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
   • Encryption: Select 128-bit AES encryption or 256-bit AES encryption for stronger security.
   • Partitions: Choose Single partition - GUID Partition Map.
   • Image Format: Select read/write disk image.

4. Set a Password:

   • Enter and verify a password. Make sure to remember this password, as it will be required to access the disk image.

5. Create the Image:

   • Click Save to create the encrypted disk image.

Using Terminal

1. Open Terminal:

   • Navigate to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.

2. Create an Encrypted Disk Image:

   hdiutil create -size 100m -fs HFS+J -encryption -type SPARSEBUNDLE -volname "SecureDisk" ~/Desktop/SecureDisk.sparsebundle

   • -size 100m: Specifies the size of the disk image (100 MB in this case).
   • -fs HFS+J: Sets the file system to Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
   • -encryption: Enables encryption.
   • -type SPARSEBUNDLE: Creates a sparse bundle disk image, which can grow as needed.
   • -volname "SecureDisk": Sets the volume name.
   • ~/Desktop/SecureDisk.sparsebundle: Specifies the path and name of the disk image file.

3. Set a Password:

   • You will be prompted to enter and verify a password.

4. Mount the Disk Image:

   hdiutil attach ~/Desktop/SecureDisk.sparsebundle

5. Unmount the Disk Image:

   hdiutil detach /Volumes/SecureDisk