All University-owned desktops and laptops - including self-managed - should be encrypted. You must ensure all laptops and portable drives used to access University information are protected by encryption. General information for University staff and students is available from University Information Security about encrypting devices and documents. DICE and Linux information is given below.
University-managed computers
The disks on University-managed Windows and Macs are encrypted.
For DICE desktops see Encrypting Groups of Files on DICE. Some DICE disk partitions are encrypted and the computing staff are working on encryption solutions for the others. If you have specific requirements for encryption on DICE, please get in touch with the computing officers.
Other computers
Windows
BitLocker is used to encrypt Windows disks. For instructions see Encrypting Windows computers. BitLocker is available with Windows Pro and Enterprise editions on modern hardware.
Other Windows editions including Windows Home, support "Device Encryption" which is similar to BitLocker. You need to meet modern hardware requirements and to sign in with a Microsoft Account. Microsoft provide further information about Device Encryption in Windows/
Depending on your status within the University, you may also be able to get BitLocker via the Azure Dev Tools, Campus or Office365 programmes. See Windows licences for more details.
Mac
For instructions for personally managed Macs, see Encrypting Apple computers. Note that you can enable encryption at any time, not just at initial setup.
You will be given a recovery key and you should keep this safe and secure as you may need it to regain access to the contents of storage.
Linux
Most major Linux distribution installers offer whole disk encryption. It is easiest to setup when initially installing a distribution. Consult your distribution's documentation and support community.
See also
We have a separate page on how to secure a mobile device.
The University's Information Security team provides further relevant guidance:
- Securing University Data on your device — the guidance includes advice on when and how to ensure that data on your device is encrypted.
- Working while travelling.
- Encrypting devices and documents.