The Howdy Glossary

FileVault 2 is a whole-disk encryption feature for Mac computers running OS X Lion and later versions. It secures the data on the Mac's startup drive by using XTS-AES-128 encryption, providing a high level of protection for sensitive information. Users have the option to store a recovery key with Apple's FileVault Recovery Service or generate a personal recovery key. The software operates in the background without affecting the system's performance, ensuring that users can utilize their Macs normally while data remains encrypted. Additionally, FileVault 2 allows for institutional oversight and management through Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions, making it suitable for large-scale deployment within an organization.

FileVault 2 was developed by Apple Inc. as part of its macOS operating system. It was introduced as a security feature to enhance the encryption capabilities of Mac computers, ensuring the protection of sensitive data stored on the system's startup drive. Apple implemented FileVault 2 starting with OS X Lion and has continued to integrate and improve this encryption feature in subsequent macOS versions.

FileVault 2 offers several unique features that distinguish it as a comprehensive whole-disk encryption solution for Mac users. One standout feature is the utilization of XTS-AES-128 encryption, which provides a high level of security to protect sensitive data on the system's startup drive. Additionally, FileVault 2 allows users to store a recovery key with Apple's FileVault Recovery Service or generate a personal recovery key for added flexibility in data retrieval. Its ability to operate transparently in the background ensures that users can continue using their Macs without experiencing any noticeable performance lag from data encryption. Another unique aspect is its support for institutional oversight through Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions, enabling large-scale deployment and management across organizations' fleets of Mac computers.