Imagine your computer as a house filled with everything important, such as documents and work files. If someone were to break in, for example, if your laptop is lost or stolen, someone could gain access to all of your data.
That is where device encryption comes in. Both Windows and macOS use built-in tools called BitLocker for Windows and FileVault for Mac to protect your data. These tools work by locking your digital belongings in a high-security vault. Even if someone gains physical access to your computer, they will not be able to open or read your files without the necessary credentials.
Warning: Your computer must be locked or powered off for your data to be encrypted. For Windows computers, the computer must be powered off for encryption to take place. On a Mac, use Control + Command + Q to lock your computer, or power off your Mac to enable encryption.
How it Works
- Encrypts Your Files
- BitLocker and FileVault both scramble your hard drive's data, rendering it unreadable, unless you unlock it with the correct credentials.
- Only You Can Unlock It
- When powering on your Windows computer, enter your BitLocker PIN to unlock encryption.
- On a Mac computer, sign in to your computer to unlock encryption.
- Protection from Theft
- Encryption keeps your data safe from unauthorized access if your device is stolen, even if someone tries to remove the hard drive and read it on another machine.
- Complies with Security Standards
- Encryption helps meet institutional data security requirements and protects confidential information from being compromised.
Warning: If you forget your BitLocker PIN or Mac Password, contact the IT Service Desk for a recovery key.
Seamless and Automatic
The best part is that once enabled, BitLocker and FileVault run silently in the background without slowing down your system or requiring any additional steps. You sign in and work as usual while encryption quietly keeps your data safe.
Note: BitLocker and FileVault are enabled by default on all college-issued computers.