The corporate landscape is increasingly threatened by the loss or theft of company-provided laptops and the subsequent exposure of sensitive information. The standard solution to this problem has been disk encryption so that it is accessible only by authorized users. Initially, various vendors offered different encryption solutions, but eventually, operating system vendors integrated disk encryption tools like BitLocker for Windows and FileVault for Mac. This has become a fundamental element in all cybersecurity compliance standards.
However, implementing disk encryption brings its own set of challenges. We face issues like ensuring 100% disk encryption across all managed devices, managing and backing up recovery keys when users forget their PIN, or during a BIOS update, and dealing with machines not managed under an Active Directory (AD). This document covers the fundamentals of BitLocker encryption, its benefits, and how Endpoint Central's BitLocker Management capabilities can assist.
BitLocker encryption is a Windows security feature that supports full disk encryption. It was introduced in 2004 as a foundational component of Microsoft's Next-Generation Secure Computing Base architecture, initially developed under the code-name "Cornerstone". Designed to protect sensitive data, particularly in the event of device loss or theft, BitLocker employs robust encryption. Complementing this, "Code Integrity Rooting" was implemented to verify the integrity of core system files. Before its official launch in Windows Vista, the technology was known as Secure Startup. By default, the feature uses cryptographic keys to encrypt the data of select drives so that unauthorized users cannot read it. Only when the correct password is entered and/or TPM details match, can the contents be viewed in its original form.
BitLocker management solutions help IT admins safeguard their network by monitoring and managing the BitLocker encryption process for each endpoint in the network from a single console. The process of manually enabling or disabling BitLocker encryption for each computer and consistently checking the progress of the encryption for each drive can be tedious and time-consuming for IT admins. However, with BitLocker management software, IT admins gain enhanced visibility and control so they can successfully encrypt and secure all the computers in their network.
A simplified design and centralized management enables IT admins to quickly create and deploy detailed BitLocker and TPM management policies. Once the policies are applied, the BitLocker management process will be fully automated for utmost efficiency and accuracy. Other related tasks, such as finding and delegating recovery keys, can also be done within the console itself for maximum convenience, and all activities concerning BitLocker management security will be audited and presented in the form of detailed reports for in-depth analysis and to gain actionable insights.
Secure your data with effective BitLocker management
Establish clear encryption policies, monitor compliance, and safeguard recovery keys. Our Comprehensive Guide to BitLocker Compliance offers in-depth best practices for comprehensive data protection.
