FileVault
FileVault is a disk encryption program built into macOS that provides full-disk encryption (FDE) to protect data on Mac computers. It uses XTS-AES-128 encryption with a 256-bit key to secure the entire startup disk, requiring a password or recovery key to access files. This ensures that data remains protected even if the device is lost, stolen, or accessed without authorization.
Developers should use FileVault when working on macOS systems that handle sensitive data, such as proprietary code, client information, or confidential documents, to comply with security policies and prevent unauthorized access. It is particularly useful for remote work, device portability, and meeting regulatory requirements like GDPR or HIPAA, as it encrypts data at rest without significant performance impact for most development tasks.