FileVault Preference Pane Click to see a larger image

For the most security for your user account, you need to use FileVault. FileVault not only password protects your account, it also encrypts it. Account passwords can be discovered and changed, but an account encrypted with FileVault cannot be accessed without its password.

To set your user account to use FileVault:

1. Go to System Preferences from the Dock or the Apple Menu.
2. Go to the Security area.
3. Click "Turn on FileVault..."

WARNING: Once you encrypt your user account with FileVault, you must remember the password because it is the unique key that will decrypt your account. No tool can decrypt the account besides the password.

However, if you want a safety net, you can create a Master Password in the Security preference pane. The Master Password will open any FileVault account on the Mac which reduces the security of FileVault considerably if there are multiple users of the Mac who know the Master Password.

See all the tips in the User Accounts series

Related Items: User Account | Security | Password