Disk Encryption Coach
If your laptop is stolen — they can\'t open your files.
What it does
Encrypts your hard drive. Without your password, the data is unreadable — even if someone removes the drive and connects it to another computer. Free, built-in to Mac and Windows. No noticeable slowdown on modern computers.
iPhone, iPad, Android phones are encrypted by default. Just have a passcode set.
Turn on FileVault (Mac)
- System Settings → Privacy & Security → FileVault.
- Click "Turn On".
- Choose: "Allow my iCloud account to unlock my disk" (easiest) OR "Create a recovery key" (write it down).
- Restart. Encryption runs in the background — takes a few hours.
- Done. From now on, your password is required to open the disk.
If you forgot your password — sign in with your Apple ID at the login screen.
For external drives & USB sticks
- Mac — Right-click any drive → "Encrypt".
- Windows — Right-click → "Turn on BitLocker".
- Cross-platform: VeraCrypt (free) makes encrypted vaults that work on Mac and Windows.
- iCloud Drive / Google Drive / OneDrive — already encrypted on the company\'s servers.
DON\'T LOSE YOUR RECOVERY KEY
If you forget your password AND lose your recovery key — your data is gone. No "I forgot" recovery service exists. PRINT the recovery key. Put it in a safe deposit box, with your will, or with a trusted family member.
Why this matters for seniors
Laptop theft happens. Modern computers contain tax returns, banking, medical records, family photos. Encryption is free and one-time setup. With it, a stolen laptop is just a hardware loss — not an identity-theft disaster.