Encryption FAQs:
Q. Why encrypt?
A. Encryption makes information unintelligible. Full disk encryption makes it impossible to inadvertently store information in an unencrypted state. If you have a password on your unencrypted laptop and it is stolen, the most that a thief has to do to compromise your information is remove the hard drive and install it in another computer. With encryption, information cannot be compromised.
Q. Does encryption work on a Macintosh laptop?
A. We will be managing the encryption included with the Macintosh laptop. If you are already using the native Macintosh encryption, the only difference will be that your recovery key is stored with SIUE ITS rather than in the Apple iCloud. Any recovery action will be through the SIUE ITS Help Desk.
Q. Do I have to encrypt my laptop?
A. Yes, all laptops that are used for any aspect of University Business must be encrypted. Once your laptop has been encrypted, the information stored on your laptop hard drive will not be compromised in the event of loss or theft. Please note that personal laptops that were purchased with personal funds are not included in this requirement.
Q. Does encryption have any effect on my applications?
A: No, encryption is transparent to the operating system. Encryption is similar to working in an office with a locked door. Logging into your encrypted computer is akin to opening the locked door to your office; you are able to send email, files, and access all of the resources within without any hindrance. When you log off, and close the locked door to your office, the room and any files, email, and software will be safe behind the encryption. Any files or email you work with while logged into your computer will not be encrypted and will be compatible with any other software or computer you use as per normal.
Q. Will encryption affect my PC or Macintosh laptop¹s performance?
A. No, encryption will have a very small impact on your laptop performance when writing files.
Q. Does encryption encrypt network drives or USB thumb drives?
A. The capability exists and is being researched for compatibility with SIUE resources but this is not required by current policy.
Q. Who should I contact if I have additional questions about encryption?
A. Faculty, staff or students with questions about encryption that are not covered by this FAQ, should contact ITS Help Desk at 618-650-5500 for additional assistance.
