Where are passwords stored on Mac hard drive?

Understanding Password Storage on Mac Hard Drive

When you create a password-protected account on your Mac, the passwords are securely stored in the Keychain app. The Keychain app is the native password management system on macOS that securely stores passwords, encryption keys, certificates, and other sensitive information.

The Keychain Access app allows you to view and manage these stored passwords. To access Keychain Access, you can go to Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access.

When you save a password in your web browser or in an application, it is usually stored in the login keychain by default. However, you can also create and manage custom keychains for different purposes.

It's important to note that the passwords stored in Keychain are encrypted and protected by your Mac's system password. This adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access to your sensitive information.

Conclusion

Passwords on your Mac are stored securely in the Keychain app, which acts as a vault for all your sensitive information. By understanding where and how passwords are stored on your Mac, you can ensure better security practices and protect your digital assets.