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Cross-platform Encryption For Mac: Benefits, Challenges, and Solutions for Data Security



Note: this is not the same as What is a self-contained cross-platform encryption for USB drive?. I believe my question is on topic because I'm not asking for a recommendation. I'm asking if such a product exists. I'm not asking for a subjective comparison of products. A correct answer could be as short as "yes" or "no" with a link to corroborate.


I am not aware of any generic, cross-platform encryption utilities which can do this, but the newest version of Linux's LUKS2 volume encryption format supports authenticated encryption. You can format a partition to use authenticated encryption with a recent copy of cryptsetup and a modern kernel:




Cross-platform Encryption For Mac




This gives you an encrypted volume using the ChaCha20 stream cipher, with the Poly1305 MAC for authentication. While stream ciphers are normally a bad idea for disk encryption because of their malleability, it is not a security issue when combined with a secure MAC for cryptographic integrity.


Encryption can help protect the sensitive data on an external drive should it fall into the wrong hands through loss or theft, but there are other reasons for encryption, too. For instance, non-encrypted flash drives can leave you vulnerable to malware and other device security threats.


But what does it really mean to encrypt your data and how does it work? Encryption means only those with an encryption key file or password will be able to access the data on an encrypted flash drive.


An important factor in the encryption process for your flash drive is your filesystem. Your filesystem organizes your drive by dictating how and how much data is stored, and what type of data can be attached to files.


Windows uses built-in encryption software known as BitLocker drive encryption, which is built into Windows Vista, including Pro, Ultimate, Enterprise, and Windows 10. While Bitlocker can encrypt your operating system drive and fixed data drives on your computer, Bitlocker to Go can encrypt your external USB flash drive and external hard drives. Windows also gives you a choice between three filesystems, as mentioned above.


Your decision will depend on factors that include your operating system, ease of use, level of encryption, safety features, speed, file size, and cost. Below is a listing of several encryption tools you may want to consider for your removable media.


This tool is another free, open source program that supports drive and volume encryption for Windows. DiskCryptor supports complex system configurations and lets you choose between the algorithms AES-256, Serpent, and Twofish.


This open source encryption software supports several types of encryption and can be used with Windows, OS X, and Linus. This tool is useful in its ability to encrypt individual files, disk images, volumes, external drives, and connected media.


There are many encryption options available. The main takeaway? Your platform, the size of your files, your level of expertise, and your willingness to pay are a few of the factors to consider in deciding how to encrypt your data.


On a basic level, encryption is one of the best protection methods available to keep all your digital assets safe. The encryption process uses a key and an algorithm to transform the accessible data into an encoded piece of information that can only be deciphered by authorized persons.


Another free encryption software tool you can use which is available for Windows, OS X and Linux operating systems. Just like BitLocker, it supports Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and can hide encrypted volumes within other volumes. It is an open source program which means developers and researchers can download and use the source code.


Similar to 7-Zip, AxCrypt is an open source file encryption tool offering both a free solution and a premium version for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It features AES-256 file encryption and can efficiently encrypt one file, an entire folder or a group of files with a simple right-click. Files can be encrypted for a specific period of time or can be auto-decrypted later on when that file reaches the destination. So, how can I increase my online security without creating too many barriers that may slow down my access to the information posted online? See below a few simple tools you can use to access online content and stay safe from data breaches at the same time.


Another way to hide your online identity is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) which can encrypt your communication and keep it safe from constant interception attempts. This private network is able to spread across the normal Internet space, using its resources to create an encrypted channel and protect your data from hackers or the prying eyes of others. It uses strong encryption mechanisms to hide your IP address, secure banking transactions, or keep yourself and your information safe when accessing Wifi networks. A VPN software program like Cyberghost can be used when trying to connect to unsafe public networks or when needed to access content whose distribution is restricted to a certain geographical area. You can browse in a private mode from another country and get access to more than 1,000 servers across 50+ countries.


When it comes to securing your most important information, encryption is not enough. Oftentimes, in our blog articles and protection guides, we often emphasize the importance of using multiple layers of security to be one step ahead of hackers. Since there are so many online threats out there and cybercriminals keep changing their tactics, we recommend following these actionable security measures to improve your online security:


When you think about encryption, have in mind the entire picture and know how important its role is in the overall security strategy. What about you? How do you see encryption in the bigger picture of Internet security? Are you using any type of encryption for your data at the moment? Let us know your thoughts in a comment below.


I like LastPass; I have been using it since before anyone heard of it.It handles passwords well. However, it is not encryption software. It uses encryption but you cannot encrypt a private letter berating the idiots in Washington for safe keeping.Inclusion in a list of encryption software is erroneous. 2020


Thanks for this great article. Love your detailed account about data encryption and valuable information on encryption tools like BitLocker, Veracrypt, FileVault2 and many more. Given that the most viable means of storing data is in digital form, especially on the cloud, stringent security measures are warranted at all times. Encryption is a great way to ensure the safety of sensitive data.


Hi Jerry! Compressing your filed before encrypting them will help the encryption process go faster, because encrypting smaller files requires less resources. Also, compression can add a entropy, which is helpful against known-plaintext attacks.


I downloaded both the 32-bit and 64-bit portable versions, and looked at the maximum length of the key for each app. It was a paltry 3072-bit! I have already read about how someone has cracked 4096-bit PGP keys, so anything less than that is not worth my consideration. -researchers-crack-the-worlds-toughest-encryption-by-listening-to-the-tiny-sounds-made-by-your-computers-cpu


I agree, Anjana. I design encryption courseware (for both business & academic audiences). You knowledge and writing style demonstrate that you are a good educator. You have a knack for zoning in on the critical or less understood issues and making them clear. Great job!


Maybe you can try Cloak Apps ( -apps.com/download.shtml). Cloak app is a file encryption tool while Vault offers user controlled file distribution. It works on Mac, Android, Windows and iOS. Check it out.


Finally, the WORST thing you can possibly do is outsource the port to another company or organization. The most efficient person to work on any section of code is the original programmer, and the most efficient way to handle any (small) cross-platform issues is right inline in the code. By outsourcing the port you must deal with communication issues, code merges a year later and the resulting code destabilization, misaligned organizational goals, misaligned schedules (the original team is charging ahead while the port team is trying to stabilize their port) and other such issues. Outsourcing any coding task is almost always a mistake, outsourcing a platform port is a guaranteed disaster.


The whole point of this article is how to write software in a cross-platform manner. I believe that the above PERL scripts allow the coders to make platform specific mistakes and have the PERL script hide those mistakes. Just write the source correctly from the beginning and you do not need the PERL script.


Individual plans cost $2.99 per month, while 1Password Families costs $4.99 per month for a family of five, and 1Password Business costs $7.99 per month per user. Other useful features include Watchtower, which notifies you about weak or reused passwords, and can even alert you if your stored credit cards are expiring. 1Password uses 256-bit AES encryption, as well as Secure Enclave with Touch ID on Mac devices.


Keeper is a cross-platform password manager with packages available for individuals, families, and businesses. You can try it out for free for 30 days before signing up for a monthly plan. All plans come with unlimited devices, unlimited password storage, and autofill options, and they even offer a 50% discount for students.


As for compatibility, RoboForm works on Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and more. The Mac download comes with extensions for Firefox, Chrome, and Safari, and is available in either .DMG or .PKG format. RoboForm uses 256-bit AES encryption and supports multi-factor authentication, with optional emergency account access.


You can download an app for macOS that includes a Safari browser extension, as well as apps for Windows, Linux, and mobile devices. Your passwords will be protected by 256-bit AES encryption, and if you sign up for a paid plan, you can grant a trusted friend or family member access to your account in the event of an emergency. 2ff7e9595c


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