How to hide files and folders on Mac? Guide to hide files on Mac.

SimpleumSafe uses AES-256 for encryption

AES-256 (Advanced Encryption Standard with a key length of 256 bits) is arguably the best-researched encryption algorithm and has been considered secure since its inception. It is even approved for use in the highest security level “Top Secret” in the U.S. government approved.

The fastest supercomputers would take longer than the current age of the universe to crack an AES-256 key through trial and error.

More about encryption with AES-256 >

• SimpleumSafe for macOS requires macOS 12 Monterey or later and runs on Intel and Apple Silicon chips.
• SimpleumSafe for iOS requires iOS 15 or later and runs on iPhone, iPad and VisionOS 1 on Vision Pro.

Direct device-to-device synchronization without internet.

Yes, with device-to-device synchronization, the Safes are synchronized between the devices via a direct wireless connection. Without internet. Apple's Multipeer protocol is used. If you can use AirDrop with your devices, you can also use this type of syncing. For this purpose, the devices are connected to Bluetooth and Wifi and the safes are synchronized. The data is not transferred via the Internet (No Internet Sync).

It’s crucial to understand the methods used to hide your files and folders on a Mac because not all methods provide the same level of security and privacy. Here’s why you should care:

1. Visibility of File Names: Some hiding methods only obscure the contents but leave the file names visible. This can expose sensitive information, as someone might infer the content from the file names alone. Properly hide files on a Mac to ensure both the file names and contents are hidden.
2. Incomplete Deletion: When you hide and unhide files using certain methods, temporary decrypted copies may be created. These copies can linger on your Mac even after the files are “deleted,” making them recoverable with data recovery tools. This incomplete deletion poses a significant security risk, especially for sensitive files and folders. SimpleumSafe uses a Secure Temporary Storage which is also encrypted and destroyed when SimpleumSafe ist closed.
3. Encryption Gaps: Simply hiding files without proper encryption leaves them vulnerable. If someone gains access to your Mac, hidden files without encryption can be easily exposed. Proper encryption ensures that your data remains secure even if hidden files are discovered. Use terminal commands or specialized software to encrypt and hide files on your Mac.
4. Digital Traces: Viewing, editing, or organizing hidden files can leave digital traces that compromise your privacy. These traces can include temporary files, logs, and caches that store sensitive information. It’s essential to use methods that minimize or eliminate these traces to keep your files safe.
   SimpleumSafe uses a Secure Temporary Storage which is also encrypted and destroyed when SimpleumSafe ist closed.
5. Trojan and Malware Risks: Even if your files are hidden, a Trojan or malware infection can expose them. Malicious software can uncover hidden files and transmit them over the internet without your knowledge. Using robust hiding and encryption methods can help mitigate this risk.
6. Data Recovery Vulnerability: Hidden files that are not properly secured can be recovered by anyone with access to your Mac. This is particularly concerning if you handle sensitive information that should remain confidential. Secure your files using proper hiding methods and encryption.
7. Legal Implications: Failing to adequately hide and secure files can have serious legal implications, especially if you are responsible for protecting sensitive client or patient data. Ensuring your files are hidden using secure methods helps you comply with data protection regulations. In conclusion, understanding and implementing the right methods to hide your files and folders is essential for maintaining your privacy, protecting sensitive information, and ensuring your data remains secure. Always opt for comprehensive solutions that provide encryption and minimize digital traces to keep your files truly safe.

When you delete a file from an SSD (Solid State Drive), it is not truly erased in the way you might expect. Here’s why:

1. Nature of SSD Storage: Unlike traditional hard drives that use spinning disks to store data, SSDs use flash memory to store information. This flash memory retains data in cells, which can be rewritten but not easily erased. This makes it challenging to hide files permanently.

2. Deletion Process: When you delete a file on an SSD, the macOS operating system marks the file’s space as available for new data. However, the actual data remains on the drive until it is overwritten by new information. This process is known as “logical deletion,” where the pointers to the file are removed, but the data itself is still physically present on the SSD. This makes files on a Mac vulnerable if not properly deleted.

3. TRIM Command: SSDs use a command called TRIM to manage the deletion process more efficiently. When a file is deleted, TRIM informs the SSD which blocks of data are no longer in use. While this helps the SSD manage its storage and performance, it doesn’t immediately erase the data. The data remains intact until the SSD’s garbage collection process runs and finally overwrites those blocks. This delay means hidden files on a Mac could be exposed.

4. Data Recovery: Because the deleted data remains on the SSD until it is overwritten, it can be recovered using data recovery tools. Even after files are deleted, specialized software can scan the SSD and retrieve the data, posing a risk to your privacy and security. This is a significant concern for those who want to keep files private and files safe from other users.

5. Wear Leveling: SSDs use wear leveling to prolong their lifespan by ensuring even distribution of write and erase cycles across the memory cells. This means that even if you attempt to overwrite a file, the data may still persist in other cells due to this balancing mechanism. As a result, files on a Mac may not be completely hidden or erased.

The simplest and best way to protect your data: Not to decrypt the file to the SSD directly. SimpleumSafe uses a Secure Temporary Storage if decryption is needed and destroys this Secure Temporary Storage when SimpleumSafe is closed. All files in the Secure Temporary Storage are encrypted too with a one time encryption.