Full Disk Encryption
Overview:
Full Disk Encryption provides protection for computers and laptops by encrypting the hard drive and requiring a password at boot up to access the system. Should the computer or laptop ever be stolen then any data stored on the hard drive will not be accessible to those who do not have the password. However, one should always create a strong password when implementing security on any computer system and never keep the password in a place where it can easily be found (for example on a post it note stuck to the computer or in the computer bag). To learn more about full disk encryption, see answers to the questions below or visit our data encryption page.
How does Full Disk Encryption work?
Full Disk Encryption is software that encrypts everything on computer hard drives (including the operating system). You will have a username and password (identical to your UT Arlington NetID and password) that you will use to access your laptop.
Why do I have to have Full Disk Encryption?
UT System Security Practice Bulletin #1 requires all portable devices to be encrypted. If you have concerns about encrypting your computer, contact the Information Security Office.
Will Full Disk Encryption work on my laptop?
The encryption client software will run on Microsoft Windows XP and Vista* operating systems, but the laptop cannot be a dual-boot machine. The next phase of the project will be encryption of Macintosh, Unix and Linux machines.
*Vista is scheduled for minimal support by UTA.
How do I get Full Disk Encryption?
The Information Security Office will be scheduling departments to install the encryption client, so be on the lookout for emails. To prepare for encryption, we ask that you backup your data and defragment your hard drive(s). Further instructions will be provided when you are scheduled for installation.
Can I install the encryption client on my personal laptop?
No, at this time licenses are only available for UT Arlington owned assets.
Once my laptop is encrypted, what will change?
On start up, you will be presented with the encryption logon screen. Simply enter your UT Arlington NetID and password and your computer will boot as normal. The encryption client also enables secure screensavers – that is, when you are ready to use your computer after the screensaver has become active, you will need to enter your UT Arlington NetID and password before proceeding.
I share a laptop with other people. Can my laptop still be encrypted?
Yes. Each user has a unique username and password (identical to their UT Arlington NetID and password) that enables them to log on to a specific machine. It is important that you alert the technician who installs the client on your laptop that there are multiple people who log on.
My laptop has been encrypted, how do I change my UT Arlington password?
Log into your laptop as normal – once start up is complete, press Ctrl-Alt-Del and select Change Password. You will be prompted for your current password and then will be asked for your new password. This process synchronizes your new NetID password with the password you use to log into the encryption client.
My laptop has been encrypted, but my Bluetooth keyboard and mouse don’t allow me to log in. What do I do?
Unfortunately, the Bluetooth protocol is not supported by our full disk encryption client at this time. You can replace your Bluetooth keyboard and mouse with a wireless keyboard, the wired equivalent or you can logon to your laptop while it is out of the docking station, then close and dock the laptop.
When my laptop was encrypted, the technician told me I shouldn’t put my laptop into the hibernation mode – why?
Your laptop is only encrypted when it’s turned off – as soon as you log in, the hard drive is decrypted. If your computer is lost or stolen while it’s in hibernation mode, the disk is already decrypted.
I changed my password in Self Service - now I’m unable to log on at the encryption screen. What do I do?
When logging on at the encryption screen, use your previous password and then follow the directions below for changing your encryption password. If you’re unable to log on at the encryption screen with your old or new password, call the Information Security Office at x25487 to recover your password.
I changed my password in Self Service - how do I change my encryption password to match my NetID password?
At the encryption logon screen, enter your NetID and previous password and check the box “Change Password”. You will be prompted to enter a new password – enter your new password.
My laptop has been encrypted, but I forgot my password. What do I do?
Call the Information Security Office at x25487 and you will be walked through the recovery process.
How do I get a user added (or removed) from an encrypted laptop?
Email the Information Security Office at encryption@uta.edu and ask to have the user added or removed. You will need to know the computer name when you call.
My laptop was lost or stolen. What do I do?
Regardless of whether your computer was encrypted or not, you must still report the loss or theft to the University Police Department at x23381. You should also report the loss or theft to the Information Security Office at x25487.
Please send any additional questions to: encryption@uta.edu.