VeraCrypt

VeraCrypt is free, open-source disk encryption software based on TrueCrypt 7.1a, with additional security changes. The official website identifies AM Crypto as the project provider. It creates encrypted file containers that mount as virtual disks and encrypts partitions or storage devices. Data is encrypted and decrypted on the fly while a volume is mounted.

Encryption workflow

Use the volume-creation wizard to create a normal or hidden volume, choose encryption and password settings, then mount it to work with files. VeraCrypt supports hardware-accelerated encryption on supported processors. Passwords, keyfiles and the Personal Iterations Multiplier (PIM) control volume access. Version 1.26.29 adds Argon2id as an alternative memory-hard key derivation function for non-system volumes. Windows system encryption and hidden operating systems are Windows-specific features, not macOS system-disk encryption.

macOS package and requirements

This exact Homebrew cask installs the macFUSE-based package and depends on macfuse; it conflicts with the separate veracrypt-fuse-t cask. The current official supported-systems page requires macOS 12 Monterey or later. Homebrew's recorded minimum-OS metadata is less restrictive, so follow the upstream requirement rather than assuming the cask metadata guarantees compatibility. The public repository contains the source and separate build instructions; build-tool prerequisites are not all end-user prerequisites.

Security and data precautions

Back up important data and read the security documentation before creating or formatting a volume. Selecting an existing file as a new container overwrites that file rather than encrypting its existing contents. The official 1.26.29 notes warn that users relying on plausible deniability for hidden volumes in file containers created with 1.26.6 through 1.26.28 should recreate both the outer container and hidden volume with 1.26.29 or later and securely erase the old container. Do not infer that encryption protects an already-compromised computer or replaces backups.

Sources

• Official product page
• Official release notes
• Supported operating systems
• Beginner tutorial
• Official source repository
• Exact Homebrew cask