Home |Message Boards | Tutorials | Vista Articles | Glossary

BitLocker Drive Encryption

In order to address the the rampant lack of data security due to hacking or user negligence, Vista is using BitLocker™ Drive Encryption, which is a data protection feature available in Windows Vista Enterprise and Ultimate. There have been several high-profile cases recently where laptops have gone missing. These laptops contained personal information—including names and social security numbers—of thousands of people. Corporations fear that laptops or other mobile devices can disappear easily once beyond the walls of their offices.

BitLocker uses Trusted Platform Module (TPM) hardware that ensures that data is safe if the laptop is stolen or lost because the entire Windows volume is encrypted. It can be configured so that a pin number and a physical USB key is required to access the drive's contents.

While this is currently limited to high-end user version of Vista, It shows that Microsoft is getting serious about implementing a strategy to keep personal data safe. To learn more about keeping your data secure in Vista and other versions of Windows, visit our message boards for more computer help.

Related Articles:

Read how Vista is using Network Access Protection to determine is a computer is "safe" to gain network access. Unpatched machines are a security risk, but with NAP admins can control who can stay and who must go in regards to accessing network resources.

Home | Site Directory | Contact Us | Disclaimer

All content on PCTechBytes is Copyrighted material and may not be duplicated in part or in whole unless previous written authorization is provided. Duplicating PCTechBytes, LLC content is prohibited and could result in legal action as covered under the DMCA.