No. 16 of 59 ·Desktop Search Software

FileVault

Mac

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Freedom report

One barScore 5.4

Free tierNo free tier on record
Open codeNo open-source code on record
Runs widely1 of 6 device platforms
DocumentedPlans, terms and facts published

FileVault is ranked #16 of 59 in desktop search software on Freedom251. It runs on macOS.

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Free plan: Yes

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The record

Purpose: FileVault is a built-in Mac encryption capability that protects data at rest on internal and removable storage.
Protection: FileVault uses AES-XTS to encrypt full storage volumes.
Automatic encryption: On Macs with Apple silicon or an Apple T2 Security Chip, data is encrypted automatically; turning on FileVault adds a login-password requirement for access.
Older Macs: Apple says FileVault must be turned on to encrypt data on Macs without Apple silicon or a T2 chip.
Intended users: Apple describes FileVault as protection for sensitive data, including company financial information on a Mac laptop and organizational data on a lost or stolen Mac.
Recovery: Users can choose an iCloud account or a recovery key to unlock the startup disk and reset a forgotten login password.
Recovery risk: Apple warns that files and settings are lost if the user forgets both their login password and recovery key and cannot reset the password.
Hardware key security: On Apple silicon and T2 Macs, FileVault key handling occurs in the Secure Enclave, and encryption keys are never directly exposed to the CPU.
Federal standards: Apple says FileVault encryption uses Apple FIPS-validated cryptographic modules and the AES-XTS algorithm to help meet high-assurance United States federal standards.
Organization management: Organizations can manage FileVault using SecureToken or Bootstrap Token, and a device management service can escrow a personal recovery key.
SSH unlock: On Apple silicon Macs running macOS 26 or later, FileVault can be unlocked over SSH after restart when Remote Login and a network connection are available.
Removable storage limit: Encryption of removable storage does not use Secure Enclave security capabilities.
Pre-activation data limit: Data added and deleted before FileVault is turned on is not encrypted and may be recoverable with forensic tools.

Where it ranks on Freedom251

Best Desktop Search Software in 2026#16 of 59

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Sources

support.apple.com/en-nz/guide/security/sec4c6dc1b6e/web· checked 5 Oct 2026
support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/mac-help/mh11785/26/mac· checked 5 Oct 2026
support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/mac-help/flvlt001/26/mac/26· checked 5 Oct 2026
support.apple.com/guide/deployment/intro-to-filevault-dep· checked 5 Oct 2026
support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/security/sec8447f5049/web· checked 5 Oct 2026