Data Encryption
Learn to protect your data with encryption.
What is it about?
We all understand why it is crucial to secure buildings against fire. We should understand the importance of securing our data likewise. However, this doesn’t always happen even though information threats can, like a fire, seriously affect our professional and private life.
We won’t lie to you: computer encryption isn’t easy and dangerous. Remember: if you have on your device data, which needs to be protected, there is
For non-technically educated users, we recommend proceeding step by step according to the manufacturer’s official instruction, which is slightly different for each device and operation system. You can find these official instructions in the IT catalog. Playing with data encryption or trying the trial-and-error method is not advisable. Without exaggeration: such behavior could cost you the loss of your data or access to it (for example, if you forget the encryption key).
And this could make the situation complicated for you and your colleagues, who can be potentially affected by this. Therefore, do not hesitate to encrypt your device. It is much easier to prevent a fire than to fight the fire.
Benefits
Authorization
Only authorized users will have access to your data.
Convenience
If you encrypt the entire drive, you won't have to decide which files to encrypt and which not. All files will be encrypted automatically.
Safety
In case of theft, the thief will not be able to read your data.
Instructions
Microsoft Windows
You can turn on encryption on Microsoft Windows using BitLocker. However, please note that the tool is unavailable for Windows 10 Home. See the official instruction on how to Turn on device encryption on the Microsoft Windows website.
- Is the encryption feature available on your device?
Sign into your Windows account using an administrator account and using the path: Start > Settings > Update & security > Device encryption
- Is Device encryption displayed?
Select Turn On.
- Is Device encryption not showing?
Turn on standard BitLocker encryption using the path: Start System > Windows > Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption > Manage BitLocker and follow the instructions.
MacOS
You can turn on encryption on Mac OS X using FileVault. For more information, check the article on how to Use FileVault to encrypt the startup disk on your Mac.
- How to turn on and set up FileVault?
Use the path: Apple > System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault > lock icon > Administrator name and password > Turn on FileVault
Linux
Due to the variability of the Linux world, there is no one-size-fits-all guide to disk management. However, most current distributions enable disk encryption during installation. It is also a good idea to have SELinux enabled. You can also check The 20 Best Disk and File Encryption Software for Linux Desktop.
In conclusion
If you want to learn more about internet security quickly and efficiently in one place, use the Security of devices module in our online course Cybercompass, free and open to everyone. You will gain more confidence in cyberspace and avoid unpleasantness more easily. You can find everything necessary about cybersecurity at Masaryk University on our web: security.muni.cz.
