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Old 12-06-2006, 10:58 AM
sgmiller sgmiller is offline
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Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 28
Encrypted Backup Solution

I recently removed FileVault from my MacBook (another story) but I still felt the need to create an encrypted backup for offsite storage where I don't have good control over the removable drive. I searched a bit on the forum for a solution and didn't see one, so here goes:

I simply created an encryped sparseimage file on my external Firewire drive and then did a SuperDuper backup to that drive. I then copied it over to my removable USB drive for offsite purposes. I realize:

1) I could have created the image directly on the USB drive but I was having trouble creating it (size?) and the transfer speed was painful. This way, I can quickly do a Smart Update to the copy of the image file on the FD drive and it only takes a hour or so to do the transfer from the FD to the USB drive. The total time is less than it would have taken to do the direct transfer. Also, it doesn't hurt to have an extra backup sitting around!

2) I know the encryped file wont be bootable but i don't care because I have the FD for that and in the offsite file is for "worst-case" scenarios at which point I can boot from an Install disk, mount the image, and then do a restore.

It seems to work so I thought I would share it. Maybe somebody has already covered this and I haven't seen it on the forum so sorry if that is the case.
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