Insert your USB flash drive into your Mac.The password you choose to protect your USB flash drive CANNOT be changed once it is configured.įollow the steps below to encrypt a USB flash drive using macOS.Drives encrypted with FileVault CANNOT be opened by Windows.This guide applies to encrypting a flash drive on macOS El Capitan and Sierra using the built in encryption tool known as FileVault. This guide will demonstrate how to securely encrypt a USB flash drive within macOS so that the data stored on it cannot be read nor accessed without entering a secure password. How do I securely encrypt a USB flash drive using a Mac? Share & PrintĮncrypting a portable USB flash drive is a great way to prevent sensitive data falling into the wrong hands, preventing data breaches and security incidents.