Last Updated on November 27, 2022 by Lily Connel
Filevault disk encryption is an integral part of Mac OS X. It helps to protect data on your Mac, by encrypting the entire contents of a user’s home directory. It not only protects against casual snooping but also against targeted attacks and even industrial espionage. On the other hand, FileVault makes sure your data is safe by making password protection compulsory.
Filevault was first released with Mac OS X Panther (10.3) in 2003. Filevault 2, an improved version of Filevault, was released in 2005 with Mac OS X Tiger (10.4). It is available to the general public and requires administrative authentication.
Pros and Cons Of Filevault Disk Encryption – The Disparity
| Serial | Pros Of Filevault Disk Encryption | Cons Of Filevault Disk Encryption |
| 1. | Filevault automatically decrypts and encrypts your Mac system as you use it. It is an Apple technology that encrypts the entirety of a user’s home directory, thus protecting information against local access by other users on the same computer. | While the early days of FileVault were somewhat painful, it has come a long way since 2003 when this security system was first introduced. Back then you had to manually take your computer out and put it in an encrypted drive for extra protection from prying eyes. Not all that good if there are thieves looking for easy targets! |
| 2. | FileVault strengths include strong security features, expanded home directory support, FileVault key escrow, authentication system improvements, and integration with FileVault | With the new version, you can rest easy. The computer will run much smoother and be protected from any blows to your system with its protection features. It has been reported that on most newer Macbooks or systems running this software won’t make a difference In fact, there might even be some performance increase once it’s set up properly! |
| 3. | It has been tested to meet the Common Criteria EAL4+ certification standard. This is important because FileVault provides security features that are designed to address several known threats against computers running Mac OS X 10.7 or later. | If you’re using an older Mac system, there is a chance that it will be slow to operate. However, in most cases, this won’t impair your ability for work or personal use of computer operations and data protection. The “old” mac systems can definitely still keep up with all their tasks without slowing down too much though. We’re sure some people might want something faster anyway. |
| 4. | FileVault encrypted volumes can only be unlocked or mounted by the FileVault 2 user’s password, which is protected by secure user keychains. Its keys are kept in core storage where they are inaccessible to anyone except FileVault users. | One other negative will be the simple fact that you’ll have to enable password protection on your Mac. Most of us are already doing this anyway so it won’t be a big deal. But for those who hate having more passwords and leaving their system unprotected can become an extra hassle in managing everything. They need access via different devices or saved accounts with ease-of-use features enabled when needed something I’m sure many people would appreciate! |
| 5. | Assuming an attacker cannot crack the FileVault user’s FileVault 2 password. | Make sure that you do not forget your password and keep the recovery key safe somewhere. If for some reason, like forgetting or getting locked out of an account due to suspension from GatorMail. One of many possible reasons why these things happen you will be unable to get back into all those important documents without it! Make absolutely certain never to leave behind either type of information because both can result in permanent loss should they fall victim to what seems at first glance only to be a temporary inconvenience. |
| 6. | FileVault data is safe even if an unauthorized person gets physical access to the Mac. Disk encryption enables you to encrypt the entire contents of a user’s home directory (including all files, application home folders, and system support files) by using XTS-AES 128 encryption. | |
| 7. | FileVault 2 disk encryption is supported on Mac OS 10.7 and later versions. | |
| 8. | FileVault data is stored in an encrypted sparse disk image file stored in the user’s home folder. | |
| 9. | It also enforces strong passwords by default. | |
| 10. | Filevault Full Disk Encryption for File Servers enables organizations to secure sensitive data stored on Xsan and Windows File Server volumes. | |
| 11. | It enables an administrator to specify which users are able to access encrypted files by using account policies. Administrators can also define whether or not Filevault File Server can be used it. Administrators have the ability to control FileVault settings across the organization. Filevault File Server can be used with File Vault. | |
| 12. | You can choose between storing FileVault data on a File Server volume or in a File Server share, either of which must have its own separate FileVault-enabled account. | |
| 13. | The main consequences for FileVault File Server in an organization are: Filevault File Server can be enabled or disabled. File Servers must run Mac OS X Server 10.6.4 or later. | |
| 14. | It has been tested to meet the Common Criteria EAL4+ certification standard, It must be FileVault enabled. |
How Filevault Disk Encryption Works
Filevault disk encryption is a File System level disk encryption system. Using Filevault or Filevault 2 means the encryption is transparent to the user. It does not require any special custom configuration, all a user must do is turn it on by authenticating with his or her username and password.
Additionally to being transparent to the user, Filevault is transparent to applications as well. It will encrypt and decrypt files using 128-bit AES encryption a . These symmetric keys are then encrypted with a key derived from each user’s login password. It uses a combination of File System Access Control Lists (FACLs) and File Reps to protect Filevault file encryption keys from unauthorized access. Filevault 2 uses 128-bit AES, 192-bit AES, or 256-bit AES for Filevault 2 disk encryption.
Filevault can be turned on and off using the Filevault tab in System Preferences. it supports two encryption modes: “FileVault” and FileVault 2. FileVault encrypts user data with 128-bit AES, and FileVault 2 uses 256-bit AES, 192-bit AES, or 128-bit AES. Filevault 2 is only available on Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, it is available for Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard and Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger as well.
Should I Enable Filevault?
Turning on parental control might be an important decision for some family members, but not so much for others. Let’s take a look at what this option has to offer and see if it will help you decide whether or not turning your settings can protect your child’s device better than ever before!
Some parents are able to make quick decisions about security features because they know their kids well enough already. However other people need more information before being able to make up their minds.
Conclusion
Filevault is an encryption utility that comes with your macOS. In simple terms, it protects the data on your computer’s hard drive by encoding it in a format only those who know the password can read! It prevents thieves and hackers from being able to get what you’ve got tucked away. Whether personal info like banking records or less important documents such as music files; no one wants them to comingle together.
