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Espionage, a new application from Tao Effects, promises to change that.

The software can encrypt individual folders using the same encryption methods that File Vault employs: AES-128 bit or AES-256 bit encryption that meets the standards of the US National Security Agency for protecting classified information.

To access the encrypted data, simply double-click the folder and enter the password.

Espionage’s developers stress that its approach differs significantly from other encryption applications that rely on disk images to protect data.

“Disk images have many limitations. While they allow you to securely protect data, they are difficult to use, and can’t be used to seamlessly protect application data on an individual

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basis, that is, until now,” said Tao Effects founder Greg Slepak.

“Some applications have tried to make disk images easier to use by referring to them as ‘vaults’ and giving you a ‘one-click’ method for creating them. But the problem with this approach is that you still have to use a separate application to manage the vault, and you can’t use it to protect important application data (like email).”

The software also has the ability to grant other applications access to encrypted data, but the process of encryption does have some drawbacks. Backup applications such as Apple’s Time Machine and Spotlight need to be able to access files on a regular basis. So by default Espionage will automatically allow those applications to access - but not read - encrypted data. The user can then add applications to this whitelist, or specifically deny access if required.

So Time Machine, for example, will be able to backup the encrypted data, but Spotlight will not be able to index its content, only the name of the encrypted folder. Naturally, this ensures that anyone who gets hold of the encrypted content, will not be able to use Spotlight to expose its contents.

Espionage costs $14.95.