Select the level of encryption you want to implement (128-bit or 256-bit AES Encryption).Once the folder window opens, choose the folder you want to protect with a password Within the pop-up window that appears, you’ll see menus for both Encryption and Image Format.From the top menu, select File > New Image > Image from Folder.Open Finder and go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.Find the folder you need to encrypt and add the relevant files to it.You can use this method to create secure archives of files and folders (or even an entire disk, if you’d like). How to back up to a server or Airport Time Capsuleįirst, turn your folder into a disk image file (.dmg).How to encrypt your Time Machine backups.How to encrypt your Mac external drives.So read on to learn about the macOS password protection features you need to use to stay safe. Think of it this way: if you let someone use your Mac, how can you be sure they aren’t looking through your private files? Your device can also get stolen - along with all the files on your hard drive. You shouldn’t consider this to be too cautious. If you’re serious about safeguarding your sensitive information, password protection on your files and folders is the most sensible way to go.