Finderlock

Finderlock is a macOS utility that locks files and folders directly in Finder using AES-256 encryption. Authentication is done with Touch ID or a master password, and all encryption occurs locally on the Mac—nothing is uploaded to the cloud. Finderlock uses the native macOS format of encrypted disk images (sparse bundles) and system services like Keychain and the Secure Enclave for biometrics, ensuring files remain on the device and are compatible with macOS tools.

★★★★★

5.0(1 ratings)

• Native Finder Integration. Locking and unlocking items is done from the right-click context menu directly in Finder. There is no need to open a separate application or move files to a special location. The action is direct in the user's workspace.
• Authentication with Touch ID and Password. Protected files can be unlocked using a fingerprint on compatible Macs. On models without Touch ID or as an alternative method, a user-configured master password is used. Biometrics are managed through Apple's Secure Enclave.
• Configurable Auto-Lock. The function closes and re-encrypts unlocked files after a period of inactivity. The Free version has a fixed timer of 30 minutes. Higher plans allow defining custom timers and rules triggered by events like sleep mode, logout, or system inactivity.
• Menu Bar Control Panel. An icon in the menu bar provides a quick overview of all protected items. From this panel, you can lock or unlock files and access the main program settings without opening additional windows.
• Exclusively Local AES-256 Encryption. The entire encryption and decryption process runs on the user's device. Finderlock uses the macOS sparse bundle disk image format, which employs the AES-256 standard. Data never leaves the Mac or is transmitted to external servers.
• Batch Operations. Available in the Pro plan, it allows selecting multiple files or folders to apply a lock or unlock action simultaneously. It streamlines the management of large datasets requiring protection.
• Secure File Shredder. A Pro plan feature that permanently deletes files, overwriting existing data on the disk multiple times to prevent recovery by forensic software. Complies with secure erasure standards.
• Independent and Portable Containers. Each protected item is saved as an independent .sparsebundle container. This container is a single file that can be moved, copied to external drives, or backed up, maintaining its encryption and being openable on another Mac with the correct password.
• Centralized License Management. Licenses are linked to a Finderlock account. From the application panel, you can activate or deactivate the software on different authorized Macs, according to the limits of each plan (Basic: 2 Macs, Pro: 5 Macs).
• Compatibility with System Tools. By using the native macOS disk image format, files protected by Finderlock can be manually mounted with the Disk Utility application if the password is known. This ensures access to data even if the program is not installed.
• Selective Sync with Cloud Services. Encrypted .sparsebundle containers can be placed in folders synchronized with iCloud Drive, Dropbox, or Google Drive. Encryption is maintained during synchronization, protecting the privacy of content stored in the cloud.
• Activity Logging. The application logs events such as successful or failed unlock attempts, and auto-lock actions. This log helps monitor access to protected files.

Development of Finderlock began in 2020, focusing on integrating file protection within the native macOS workflow. The program is written primarily in Swift, leveraging Apple's security frameworks and APIs to ensure stable and efficient operation within the ecosystem. The developers are a team specialized in security software for Apple platforms, with experience in cryptography and user interface design.

Alternatives to Finderlock:

UROIU

UROIU is a security application that implements symmetric encryption for files and directories using AES-128 in CBC mode with HMAC authentication through the Fernet scheme.

Price: Free   Size: 15 MB   Version: 1.0.0   OS: Windows

MySecretFolder

MySecretFolder is a Windows utility that transforms any standard folder into a password-protected and invisible folder to other users of the system.

Price: Free   Size: 1.37 MB   Version: 20.8   OS: Windows

USBCrypt

USBCrypt is an encryption utility for Windows that secures sensitive information using the AES algorithm.

Price: Free   Size: 6.6 MB   Version: 25.6   OS: Windows

Encryptability

Encryptability is a software encryption utility for Windows 11 and10 that creates Virtual Encrypted Disks to store sensitive information.

Price: Free   Size: 6.3 MB   Version: 25.6   OS: Windows

Retro Journal

Retro Journal is a free and open-source desktop application for personal journaling, designed to replicate the experience of 1980s and 1990s computers.

Price: Free   Size: 95.8 MB   Version: 1.0.7   OS: Windows, Linux, MacOS

Hash#Todo

Hash#Todo is a task manager that uses hashtags to organize activities.

Price: Free   Size: 1.3 MB   Version: 1.0.0   OS: Windows, Android

PearPass

PearPass is an open-source password manager that operates locally.

Price: Free   Size: 18.4 MB   Version: 1.1.1   OS: Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, iOS

Password Depot

Password Depot is software for the secure management and storage of passwords.

Price: Free   Size: 33.2 MB   Version: 19.0.0   OS: Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS