How protected is your Mac without FileVault enabled

Since Mac OS X 10.7 Lion in 2011, Apple introduced FileVault as a powerful tool for full-disk encryption (FDE). This feature has evolved over the years, providing significant safeguards against unauthorized access to your Mac, even in the event of theft.

Three Layers of Protection:

1. Complete Encryption at Rest: When your Mac is powered down, FileVault ensures that your drive remains entirely encrypted. Without the necessary encryption keys, which are safeguarded by your account password, any attempts to breach the security would be in vain.
2. Startup Authentication: Upon startup, macOS demands a valid account password or a designated Recovery Key to unlock your drive. While storing the Recovery Key in your Apple ID account adds convenience, it’s crucial to recognize that securing your Apple ID is paramount.
3. Account Password for Access: Even after successfully unlocking the drive and booting into macOS, an intruder must still contend with the standard Mac login screen, necessitating the correct account password. Although occasional exploits have been discovered, they are typically short-lived and require physical access to the computer.

FileVault with T2 Security Chip and M-series Macs:

For Intel Macs equipped with the T2 Security Chip and all M-series Macs, encryption is deeply integrated into the macOS structure. The startup internal volume is always encrypted, and this feature cannot be disabled. If an external volume is in use, enabling FileVault ensures rapid encryption, especially with modern SSDs.

Consider Your Security Needs:

Security requirements vary from person to person. If you believe that the risk of your Mac being stolen by a highly skilled hacker or a government agency is low, enabling FileVault might not be essential. It’s important to note that FileVault does introduce a degree of risk, particularly if recoveryOS account data becomes corrupted, necessitating the use of your Recovery Key.

Conclusion:

Enabling FileVault provides an additional layer of protection for your sensitive data and ensures that even if your Mac falls into the wrong hands, your private information remains secure. While it’s crucial to keep records of your Recovery Key, or trust Apple’s iCloud escrow, the peace of mind that comes with FileVault’s enhanced security is invaluable.