Encryption
What is Encryption?
Encryption is a method of protecting information by converting it to a format that's unreadable by anyone except those with a special key (usually a very long password). If a person doesn’t have the key required to decrypt that data, the information remains inaccessible.
Why is Encryption Important?
Encryption is vital to securely protecting everything on your computer you have ever downloaded, created or shared. The only protection you have when your laptop, phone or tablet is stolen is encryption that keeps people from accessing the hard drive that holds all of your personal and work documents, pictures and files. Data holds incredible value for criminals who use it for identity theft, and encryption is the only way to protect you and your patient's information.
The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry (FoMD) is critically dependent on its information technology resources to fulfill its academic and business responsibilities and must comply with applicable government regulations. Therefore, the FoMD Encryption Policy mandates all personal computers storing sensitive information must be encrypted.
How to Encrypt
Please click the appropriate link below for instructions on how to encrypt your computer. Please read through the instructions carefully, and remember to back up your hard drive before beginning the encryption steps.
If you are having trouble encrypting your computer, the School of Dentistry can assist with the encryption process. Please contact IT Support if you require any assistance. You must back up your own drive before bringing it, and the department is not responsible for any lost data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will encrypting my computer negatively effect the computer performance?
No, encryption will not effect any of your day to day work on the computer and only serves as a protection should unauthorized users try to access your hard drive.
Does the university now have access to my personal hard drive and information?
No, encrypting the hard drive does not give access and only prevents an unauthorized user getting access. The university will not gain any access to your personal computer through encryption.
Will I need to enter the encryption key password anytime I want to access my hard drive?
No, your use of the computer remains the same and the key is only necessary for accessing the hard drive if your computer crashes or you remove the hard drive to access with another computer.
Does encryption cost me anything?
If you have a Mac product or your Windows PC uses Microsoft Pro or Education, encryption is free and included with your operating system. If you are using a Microsoft Home edition of Windows you will require an upgrade to Windows Pro or Education at a cost of approximately $120.
Is it mandatory to encrypt my personal computer?
You are not required to encrypt your personal computer. However, any non-encrypted devices will not have access to CITRIX or clinic and patient information. To use your personal computer for clinic-related work and accessing CITIRX you must prove the device is encrypted.
Do I need to encrypt my phone or tablet?
Phones and tablets become encrypted when you use a password to log in from your locked-in home screen. Your regular password/pattern will protect access to the phone's hard drive.
Now that I have encrypted my computer, what do I do with the key password?
Make sure you keep the key password somewhere safe. Do not store it on the computer as you will not be able to access it if your computer crashes and your hard drive will not be accessible again. Print off the password and keep it in a file and also store it on your cloud account.
What if I lose my encryption key?
If you lose your key and your hard drive needs to be accessed you will not be able to recover the hard drive. You must keep your key available should the need ever arise.
What if I get a new computer?
If you get a new computer you must encrypt the new computer and develop a new encryption password.