

I will mount the volume on other platformsmeans that you’ll run the encrypted hard drive on other operating systems (not only on macOS). The Wizard will ask you if you want to use the given external storage device on other operating systems. The next step is required only for macOS users.

#Veracrypt external drive mac os
Next, you’ll need to choose the filesystem type: Mac OS Extended – for macOS NTFS – for Windows. The second choice I will store files larger than 4GB on the volumemeans you will be storing such files. Next, the VeraCrypt Volume Creation Wizard will ask you if you want to store files larger than 4 GB.
#Veracrypt external drive how to
We gave you a detailed explanation on how to do it when we were creating an encrypted file-hosted volume. For maximum security, you should also add a keyfile. Then you’ll need to generate a strong password. If your device has less than 16 GB capacity, you can use AES-Twofish-Serpent. Be aware that your encryption algorithm affects the speed of your file performance, and if you intend to encrypt a storage device with more than 16 GB capacity, I recommend using AES. In the next step, you need to pick the encryption option. Click Select Device.īe aware that during encryption your hard drive is formatted, and all your files will be removed (you will get repeated warnings about it from the application). Next, select the external storage device that needs to be encrypted. Select Standard VeraCrypt volume, you will find out how to use hidden file containers in one of the next parts. Then the application will ask you if you want to create a Standard or Hidden encrypted volume type. The first pre-selected option displayed by default asks us to create a simple file container of the required size. Then go for the second option – Create a volume within a partition/drive. Run TrueCrypt / VeraCrypt and click Create Volume - this button is intended for creating encrypted space, and we will start any encryption by using it. The guide below can be consulted for any external storage device: from USB flash drive to external hard drive with the capacity of several TB.
#Veracrypt external drive windows
The previous guide used the Windows version of VeraCrypt, so in this part we will be taking you through the VeraCrypt version running on a macOS machine. The encryption of external storage devices doesn’t differ much from that of an encrypted file-hosted volume, and we are going to skip a few steps like, for instance, the keyfile creation. Encrypting an external storage device with TrueCrypt and VeraCrypt I just run the system and decrypt my external hard drive: if I need to change the system, I turn on a different one and again decrypt my hard drive. This allows me to use all operating systems, including Windows, Tails, Whonix and macOS. Personally, I always carry a securely encrypted external hard drive where I store all my paperwork. It is probably done with good intentions, still, I believe that this practice compromises the idea of secure data encryption. Second, in many countries, to sell a device with built-in encryption, they are supposed to pass decryption keys to special agencies to enable their access to encrypted data if necessary. First, developers don’t always use secure data encryption algorithms. I frequently get the following question from users, “What if the developer of my device offers built-in encryption, do I have to encrypt my device again?” My answer has always been the same, “Yes, you do”. Be aware that you shouldn’t rely on the encryption preinstalled by the developer. If you have an unencrypted device, encrypt it immediately after you read this chapter. In general, all your removable media should be encrypted. Tip All removable media: USB flash drives /SD cards /portable hard drives, etc.
