Ask a tech expert: What is the best way to keep private photos hidden?

October 30, 2023

By Kim Komando

I’m a fashion photographer and I’ve taken tasteful intimate photos of my gorgeous wife that we don’t want anyone else to see. I know I can’t just save them on my Windows computer or iCloud. What should I do?

— Listener in Miami, FL

You’re on the right track! I don’t recommend relying on Google Drive or iCloud alone. For one, they’re obvious targets for hackers. If someone gets their hands on your Google login or Apple ID, they get access to all your photos, including those meant for your eyes only.

The most secure option is a trustworthy cloud storage company that lets you set up a private encryption key. That means only you can unlock the photos, videos and documents you store there. My pick is IDrive.

Another option is to compress and encrypt sensitive images. On a PC, try a free service like 7-Zip. You’ll add files to a folder and then compress them into a ZIP file. You don’t need to create an account or download anything to use this open-source software.

Here’s how it works: Open 7-Zip, select the file or folder you want to compress and click Add.

After you save the folder to your computer, you can encrypt it. To do this on a Windows PC:

• Right-click on the file or folder.
• Click Properties > Advanced.
• Select the box that says Encrypt contents to secure data.
• Select OK > Apply > OK.

You can use Disk Utility to password-protect a folder to get the job done on a Mac. This works like a ZIP file, using Mac’s encryption method. Here’s how it works:

• Click the magnifying glass in the upper right corner and type Disk Utility. Hit enter.
• In the top menu, click File > New Image. Find the folder you want to encrypt and click Choose.
• Give the folder a name and choose where you want to save it.
• Under Encryption, choose 256-bit for the strongest encryption. Click Save, then set a password.

Give the folder time to process. This could take a bit, depending on how large the files are.

There are ways to password-protect photos on your phone, too.

How to protect photos on iPhone

If you want to secure photos stored on your phone, you may feel comfortable relying on a password alone.

The built-in Notes app is an easy way to do this on an iPhone. You just have to use the Lock Note feature.

You can even take photos through the Notes app so they don’t appear in your camera roll. Go to Settings > Notes, then slide the toggle next to Save to Photos to the left to disable it.

To test it out, open the Notes app. Create a new note and tap the camera icon > Take Photo or Video.

Finally, you must protect the note (and the photo stored there) with a password. Here’s how:

• Open Notes and choose the note you want to lock.
• Tap the More button, then tap Lock.
• Enter a password, then give yourself a password hint. You can also enable Face ID or Touch ID.
• Tap Done.

How to secure private photos on Android

On Android, your best bet is using an app. The Keepsafe photo vault is a good option. It will request permission to encrypt your photos and videos.

Select Grant access and create an account. Set up a PIN code, tap the + button, then Import photos > Import. Now, your private pictures won’t show up in your camera roll. You’ll only be able to view them in the Keepsafe photo vault.

❓ Have a question for me? Drop it right here, or leave me a voicemail at 602‑381‑8200 ext. 290.