You can encrypt your data without erasing it by turning on FileVault in Privacy & Security settings (see Encrypt Mac data with FileVault). If the Security Options button is not available, you can’t use Disk Utility to perform a secure erase on the storage device. Secure erase options are available only for some types of storage devices. (Optional) If available, click Security Options, use the slider to choose how many times to write over the erased data, then click OK.

To change the password later, select the volume in the sidebar, then choose File > Change Password. In the sidebar, select the storage device you want to encrypt.Ĭlick the Scheme pop-up menu, then choose GUID Partition Map.Ĭlick the Format pop-up menu, then choose an encrypted file system format.Įnter and verify a password, then click Choose. If Disk Utility isn’t open, click the Launchpad icon in the Dock, type Disk Utility in the Search field, then click the Disk Utility icon. In the Disk Utility app on your Mac, choose View > Show All Devices. Those are in the information below.If the device contains any files you want to save, copy them to another storage device or volume. There are also security options for OS X Yosemite only. 35-Pass Erase – Writes over the data over 35 times.7-Pass Erase – Erases according to Department of Defense’s 5220-22M standards.

Don’t Erase Data – Removes catalog, keeps data.

Look to the list below to see the wide range of selections To securely erase your files from the thumb drive, press the button labeled “security options.” A variety of options will show, including even one that meets the Department of Defense’s 5220-22M standards.

Press “erase” on the bottom right of the screen.

Look to the left side of the screen, clicking on the appropriate disk.

Password protect thumb drive mac