MacDrive
In this chapter we will go over how to create an encrypted library on MacDrive (a cloud-based storage platform available for McMaster research staff) and how to password-protect a OneDrive library.
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If you are a current McMaster employee and were not granted a MacDrive account automatically, please go to the UTS Contact Us page to request access.
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If you are using OneDrive, your data should already be encrypted in transit and at rest, but for an added level of security, you can store your data in a Personal Vault that requires 2-factor authentication to access. Files in a Personal Vault cannot be shared.
{: .warning } High risk data must still be manually encrypted before being uploaded to an encrypted MacDrive library, and both medium and high risk data must be manually encrypted before being uploaded to a OneDrive.
Table of Contents
Key considerations for MacDrive
Encrypted MacDrive libraries can only be shared with other MacDrive users, so Sharing Links cannot be created for the encrypted data. High-risk data must still be encrypted at the individual file level (using any of the other methods discussed in this module) before being added to an encrypted MacDrive.
Creating an encrypted library in MacDrive’s web interface
Step 1: Log in to your MacDrive account online.
Step 2: Click “+ New Library”. Enter the desired name for your folder.
Step 3: Check the box next to “Encrypt”. Enter and verify your desired password and click Submit. Make sure you choose a strong password and Back! It! Up!
Now you can upload your files to the encrypted library. Remember that if they contain high-risk data the files must first be manually encrypted.
Syncing folders locally with the MacDrive application
Automatic sync is not recommend for encrypted MacDrive data. For high-risk data, the files should be manually encrypted and stored in encrypted locations on your local computer and/or MacDrive, with manual upload and download.
Step 1: Download the latest version of the MacDrive application for your local computer.
Step 2: After installation, add your MacDrive account as follows:
- Server: https://macdrive.mcmaster.ca
- Email/username: YOURMACID@mcmaster.ca
- Password: Your MacDrive password
- Computer name: Your computer name (nickname or otherwise)
Step 3: Choose whether to download the Default library (“My library” in the web interface). You can skip this step and manually choose which libraries to sync in the following steps.
Step 4: After configuring your MacDrive, you will see a list of your libraries. Those with green checks are synced locally, and those with orange clouds are only on the online server. Right click the library you would like to sync and select “Sync this library.”
Step 5: Choose an encrypted local location for the files (either an encrypted drive or encrypted folder) and enter your MacDrive encryption password to authorize the sync.
Creating a password-protected folder in OneDrive
Step 1: Navigate to your OneDrive “Personal Vault” folder.
Note: If you do not see it automatically, sign in to OneDrive.com, go to Settings -> Personal Vault, and click “Enable”. Enabling your personal vault requires setting up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
Step 2: Select “Next” or “Continue” after reading the descriptive text.
Step 3: Verify your account information – make note of the email address, as it may be used in the following step.
Step 4: Choose a 2-Factor Authentication method and enter the code that you receive.
Step 5: Your Personal Vault can now be used like any other OneDrive folder, e.g. you can add or move as many files or folders into it as you like (up to your storage limit).
To lock your Personal Vault at any time, simply navigate to the Personal Vault and select “Lock.”