FileVault

FileVault is a full-disk encryption program for macOS. It's designed to protect data by encrypting the entire startup disk, preventing unauthorized access to the information stored on it if the device is lost, stolen, or improperly accessed. There are two main versions: FileVault and FileVault 2.

FileVault (Original):

The original FileVault, introduced in Mac OS X Panther (10.3), encrypted the user's home directory using Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). When a user logged in, their home directory would be decrypted and accessible. Upon logging out, the home directory would be encrypted again. While offering some protection, the original FileVault only protected the user's data within the home directory, leaving system files and other areas of the disk unencrypted. It also required the user to log out completely to encrypt their data.

FileVault 2:

FileVault 2, introduced in Mac OS X Lion (10.7), provides full-disk encryption using XTS-AES-128 encryption. This means that the entire startup disk, including system files, applications, and the user's home directory, is encrypted. FileVault 2 offers significantly stronger protection than the original FileVault.

Key Recovery:

FileVault 2 offers multiple options for key recovery, allowing users to regain access to their encrypted data if they forget their password. These options typically include:

• iCloud Account: Allows password recovery using an Apple ID and password.
• Recovery Key: A randomly generated alphanumeric key that the user must store securely. If the password is forgotten, the recovery key can be used to unlock the disk.
• Institutional Recovery Key: (Managed Environments) In managed environments, such as businesses or schools, an institutional recovery key can be created and stored by the organization's IT department. This allows the organization to recover data if a user forgets their password or leaves the organization.

Security Considerations:

While FileVault provides a significant layer of security, it is not foolproof. It is important to choose a strong password and to store the recovery key in a safe and secure location. Additionally, FileVault protects data only when the computer is turned off or in sleep mode. If the computer is logged in, the data is decrypted and accessible. Physical attacks or sophisticated software exploits may still be possible, although FileVault significantly raises the bar for attackers.

Impact on Performance:

Encrypting and decrypting data can have a slight impact on system performance. The impact is typically minimal on modern computers with solid-state drives (SSDs) and hardware acceleration for encryption. However, older computers with traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) may experience a more noticeable performance decrease.