The corporate landscape faces threats from the loss or theft of company laptops and the exposure of sensitive information. The standard solution is disk encryption, giving access only to authorized users. Initially, various vendors offered different encryption solutions, but then operating system vendors integrated tools like BitLocker for Windows and FileVault for Mac. This has become a fundamental element of all cybersecurity compliance standards.
However, implementing disk encryption presents challenges. Issues include 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 addressing machines not managed under 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. Introduced as "Cornerstone" in 2004 as part of Microsoft's Next-Generation Secure Computing Base architecture, BitLocker protects sensitive data in the event of device loss or theft using robust encryption. "Code Integrity Rooting" verifies the integrity of core system files. Before its official launch in Windows Vista, it was known as Secure Startup. By default, BitLocker uses cryptographic keys to encrypt data on selected drives, preventing unauthorized users from reading it. Only when the correct password is entered or the TPM details match, the contents can be viewed in their original form.
BitLocker management solutions help IT admins safeguard their network by monitoring and managing the BitLocker encryption process for each endpoint from a single console. Manually enabling or disabling BitLocker for each computer and consistently checking the progress can be tedious and time-consuming. However, BitLocker management software provides enhanced visibility and control, allowing IT admins to encrypt and secure all computers in their network effectively.
A simplified design and centralized management enable IT admins to quickly create and deploy detailed BitLocker and TPM management policies. Once applied, the BitLocker management process is fully automated for efficiency and accuracy. Related tasks, such as finding and delegating recovery keys, can also be done within the console for convenience. All BitLocker management activities are audited and presented in detailed reports for analysis and 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.
