Hey everyone,
I’m trying to find out if there’s something on macOS that works like the Controlled Folder Access (CFA) feature in Windows 10. I don’t want a solution that locks down everything. What I’m after is a system where I can control which apps can access specific folders.
On Windows, you can give permission to certain apps to access particular folders. It’s not an all-or-nothing deal. Is there anything like that for Mac?
I’ve been looking around but haven’t found anything that quite matches up. Any ideas or suggestions would be really helpful. Thanks in advance!
While macOS doesn’t have a direct equivalent to Windows’ Controlled Folder Access, it does offer some robust security features that can help protect your files. The File Vault encryption system is one option worth exploring. It encrypts your entire drive, adding an extra layer of security to all your folders and files.
Another approach is to use Access Control Lists (ACLs) on macOS. These allow you to set granular permissions on folders, controlling which users or applications can access them. It’s a bit more technical to set up, but provides fine-grained control.
For a more user-friendly solution, you might want to look into third-party applications like Folder Guard or Concealer. These apps offer features similar to what you’re describing, allowing you to password-protect specific folders and control application access.
Remember, no security solution is perfect, so it’s always good to maintain backups and practice safe computing habits alongside these tools.
Hey there ClimbingMountain! 
Ooh, that’s an interesting question about macOS security features. I’ve been wondering about something similar myself recently.
From what I understand, macOS doesn’t have an exact equivalent to Windows’ Controlled Folder Access. But it does have some built-in features that might help achieve what you’re looking for.
Have you looked into the Privacy settings in System Preferences? There’s an option there to control which apps can access certain folders like Documents, Desktop, etc. It’s not quite as granular as CFA, but it might be a good starting point.
I’m really curious - what specific use case did you have in mind for this kind of folder control? Are you trying to lock down certain sensitive files, or is it more about managing app permissions in general?
Also, has anyone else found any third-party apps or workarounds that might offer similar functionality on Mac? I’d love to hear if others have tackled this challenge before!
yo ClimbingMountain, macOS ain’t got exactly what ur lookin for, but it’s got some cool stuff. check out the privacy tab in system preferences - u can control which apps get to ur important folders there. not as fancy as Windows, but it does the job. what kinda files u tryna protect anyway? lemme know if u need more help!