Mac mini, external hard drives, security, backups and the cloud

[janeserky]

Hi, not sure if this is the best forum as my question covers a few issues.

I have a Mac Mini 2018 (500 GB), a Seagate desktop HDD for time machine backups and a Seagate portable HDD for Carbon Copy Cloner (CCC) backups.

I use 2 sparsebundles on the Mac Mini to store my data. I also run Parallels on the Mac Mini. I have had used this set up for approximately 10 years since I first got a Mac but am experiencing a few issues so want to make some changes.

The issues include:

1. the time machine HDD is starting to clunk - it's old and I'm sure on it's way out
2. I'm running out of space on my Mini
3. the sparsebundles are great for securing data but a lot of the software is storing files in many of other places which are easily accessible (I'm always shocked when a search locates stuff that is not in the sparsebundles)
4. CCC doesn't have versions of files (I was relying on the CCC safety net but I think I should be using snapshots?)
5. the external hard drives are not protected
6. I don't have an offsite backup

So, after much research I have decided on the following:

1. a new external HDD for Mac Mini timemachine backups (connected permanently)
2. a new external SSD for Parallels, and possibly photos (connected permanently).
3. remove the sparsebundles and use FileVault instead
4. load selected files to a cloud service (not iCloud).

This will free up at least 100GB on the Mini. I will also need to develop a backup strategy for the Parallels SSD.

Given this scenario, my questions are:

1. do I use Mac OS Extended for the external HDD?
2. do I use APFS for the external SSD? Will run Parallels run on this format?
3. how do I secure the data on the external hard drives? How does the security work if these are connected to the Mini permanently? Do they encrypt automatically when disconnected from the Mini?
4. is implementing FileVault a sensible plan? Will the Mini automatically encrypt when disconnected from power?
5. what is the best way to secure files for loading to the cloud? Do I allow the provider to encrypt them or should I 'pre-encrypt' somehow? Will the data become corrupted if it is encrypted by multiple processes eg - by me AND then by the provider?
6. should I be using CCC snapshots? I have tried to read their user guide but find it quite confusing so am looking for real world advice.

Looking forward to all feedback, plus any other comments .....

 

[Rod]

These are just suggestions mind but my advice would be to:
1. Upgrade your 2018 Mac Mini to a current model with 1TB of storage.

2. Use External 1TB SSD's for both Time Machine and CCC that way everything can be APFS.

3. Definitely use File Vault that way all data including backups can be encrypted.

4. Use iCloud + and iCloud Drive for cloud storage. It's the cheapest secure cloud storage you'll get and increases your overall storage options and access as well as providing at least two other worthwhile security features eg. Private Relay and Hide my Email.

5. CCC snapshots are a great idea.

Some of my suggestions may sound a bit radical but I can justify them all. Just give them some thought and if you want more info or have questions about my reasoning do reply.

 

[ferrarr]

1. do I use Mac OS Extended for the external HDD?
2. do I use APFS for the external SSD? Will run Parallels run on this format?

I would use APFS for both. TM is low priority to macOS, so time speed isn't really an issue. As far as Parallels, I believe it formats what is allocated for the VM as NTFS, but you should check out their documentation/support pages.

1. how do I secure the data on the external hard drives? How does the security work if these are connected to the Mini permanently? Do they encrypt automatically when disconnected from the Mini?

When you format these drives use the encrypted APFS option. Then, whenever the drives are attached to any computer, they will need the encryption password to gain access to the data, iow they are encrypted at all times.

s implementing FileVault a sensible plan? Will the Mini automatically encrypt when disconnected from power?

Yes, APFS is encrypted at all times. FileVault is just an extra layer of security.

5 Is your choice, either you trust them or you don't.

Good luck.

 

[Rod]

My first point regarding replacing your current Mac Mini is based on the fact that it is a 2018 model and as such can, I beleive, only be upgraded to macOS Ventura, Support for any macOS is only provided for three years so sometime this year you will cease to receive Security (and other) updates. I have always upgraded my devices before the last compatible OS becomes unsupported.

 

[ferrarr]

My first point regarding replacing your current Mac Mini isNo, it cab take the based on the fact that it is a 2018 model and as such can, I beleive, only be upgraded to macOS Ventura, Support for any macOS is only provided for three years so sometime this year you will cease to receive Security (and other) updates. I have always upgraded my devices before the last compatible OS becomes unsupported.

Not true. It can take the current macOS.

Mac mini "Core i5" 3.0 (Late 2018) Specs (2018, MRTT2LL/A*, Macmini8,1, A1993, 3213): EveryMac.com

Technical specifications for the Mac mini "Core i5" 3.0 (Late 2018). Dates sold, processor type, memory info, hard drive details, price and more.

everymac.com

 

[Rod]

Only if it's the Late 2018 model I think and only then with additional RAM. The OP does not specify the model or current OS. Either way it's an Intel Mac and certainly at the end of it's life span at 7-8 years old.

 

[ferrarr]

Only if it's the Late 2018 model

That is the only 2018 model.

I only got rid of my 2014 Mini 2 years ago, when I got my Studio.

Edit: meant 2018 model. It's fixed now.

 

[Rod]

Oh,

 

[MacBiter]

Only if it's the Late 2018 model I think and only then with additional RAM. The OP does not specify the model or current OS. Either way it's an Intel Mac and certainly at the end of it's life span at 7-8 years old.

D*mn! Would you whisper that into the ear of my 2011 iMac?

[Ye gods it turned a word beginning with D into **** !!! It's not even swearing!].