Encryption Support Center
This site is a resource for The University of Iowa community to get information on hard disk encryption for multiple platforms. This is not meant to serve as a source of information for network encryption. The Help Desk provides baseline support for Bitlocker, FileVault and Truecrypt. Most questions should be handled by a departmental IT person but issues can be escalated to the IT Security Office on a case by case basis for review.
Why Encrypt Data?
It is important to remember that the victims' of compromises usually only realize that they have been victimized after many weeks or, more likely, months after infection with a virus. Poorly secured systems (no firewall, antivirus, OS updates, no data encryption, physical securing devices) usually being the best ways these malevolent people gain unauthorized access. In order to meet our legal obligations and our responsibility to protect the privacy of those we serve, The University of Iowa requires hard disk encryption for all highly sensitive data stored on a mobile device (i.e. a laptop computer or smart phone). The best way to avoid theft of sensitive data is by not storing it on your device in the first place. Removing sensitive data as soon as it's no longer in use is another way to reduce risk.
Was reported that ½ to 1/3 of all reported information breeches occurred at colleges and universities. (The President’s Identity Task Force – April 2007)
What is Encryption?
Hard disk encryption prevents unauthorized access to data when a computer is stolen. A digital key is required to access encrypted data. It's essential to make backup copies of encryption keys and to store them safely to ensure your own access. Without the encryption key, data is no longer readable by anyone.
Implementing Encryption on Your Computer
| Step 1: Do I need encryption? | Figure out if you should be using encryption |
| Step 2: Getting started | Ok, so you need encryption, now what? |
| Step 3: Implement an encryption method | Setup encryption on your computer |
| Additional Resources | Additional resources for system administrators |
Back to Help Desk Support Center
Last Updated: 04/24/2008