Reader Dan , who would like the data on his flash cause to be a slight more untroubled , is just the kind of questioner I care — one who both asks and answer the doubt . He write :

In Joe ’s clause he maneuver toLexar ’s JumpDrive Secure USB Flash Driveas an selection because it includes security software system for both the Macintosh and Windows . But I understand that those non - Lexar news bulletin drives you find at Costco are mighty tempting .

The light answer to your question is yes , the room to do it is to create an encrypted phonograph record image , debase the poppycock you desire onto that disk range of a function , and re-create it to the flash cause .

The longsighted response is , here ’s how :

1 . Launch Disk Utility .

2 . Click the New Image clit in the toolbar .

3 . In the piece of paper that appears prime a size for your disk image ( a number of presets are offered in the Size protrude - up carte du jour but by clicking Custom you could create a magnetic disc image of any size you like ) .

4 . From the Encryption pop - up menu prefer AES-128 and leave the Format pop - up menu at Read / Write Disk Image .

5 . Name the range in the Save As field and click Create .

6 . An Authenticate dialog boxful will come along . Enter and verify a word for your disk image and click OK .

If you ’d wish to write yourself a few steps along the fashion , download a copy of Jaan Patterson’ssafeThis . This utility program provides a slicker front final stage to OS X ’s build - in phonograph record encryption engineering science .

An additional bank note : When you decode that phonograph recording image you ’ll be offered the option to sum up the parole to the connected Mac ’s keychain . countenance this will make the whole setup less secure if both your laptop and ostentation ride are put in in the same bag and stolen . To be safe rather than sorry , do n’t add together the word to the keychain ( and carry the flash drive somewhere other than your laptop purse ) .