How to Password Protect folder on your mac?

Hello,
I have tried to do some research on this topic but cannot find the exact answer I was hoping for. I am trying to password protect a folder on my computer so that no one can access it without my password. I have tried the "Disk Image" method, but what this does is copy/clone my original file and creates a new one under the disk image icon. this creates 2 of the very same files on the same computer, my original unprotected folder and the new password protected folder. however I do not want to go this route. I want to just password protect my original folder and skip the copying/cloning of it. Saves me time and I do not have to worry about deleted the unprotected password folder.
Is there another way of password protecting a folder besides Disk Image?
And since I am talking about Disk Image here, what is the difference between 128-bit AES encryption (recommended) VS the 256-bit AES encryption
I see that it says it is more securs but slower but ultimately what does it mean by more secure? password is a password?
Thank You,
-SA

sbtalhaj wrote:
Is there another way of password protecting a folder besides Disk Image?
Might be a third-party app, but why? Disk Image will do exactly what you want.
And since I am talking about Disk Image here, what is the difference between 128-bit AES encryption (recommended) VS the 256-bit AES encryption
If would take one billion billion years to crack 128Bit using Brute Force...more time than the age of the Universe...thus 256Bit is not needed.

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