The financial impact of data breaches is staggering, with costs escalating significantly the longer a breach goes undetected. Data breaches lasting under 200 days cost 30% less than those extending beyond 200 days[1]. Additionally, the average cost of downtime is estimated at $1,467 per minute, highlighting the immense financial burden on businesses[2].
One of the most effective ways to safeguard sensitive data is through hard drive or full disk encryption (FDE). This comprehensive security measure encrypts all the data on a device’s hard drive, rendering it inaccessible to unauthorized users.
In this blog, we will understand the workings of FDE, and explore its types, importance, best practices, and configuration with Scalefusion UEM.
What is Hard Drive or Full Disk Encryption?
Encryption is a data security process that encodes data. Hard drive or full disk encryption is a security measure that encrypts the data on a hard drive by converting it from plaintext into ciphertext, making the original information unreadable.
Data encoding is done using a specific algorithm, or cipher, to convert a physical drive into a coded format that is only accessible with a key or password used for encryption. This prevents unauthorized entities from accessing the information stored in the drive.
There are two primary types of computer encryption: full disk encryption and file-level encryption.
Full disk encryption (FDE), also known as whole disk encryption, protects the entire drive and all its files from unauthorized access. Alternatively, file-level encryption (FLE) operates at the file system level, allowing for the encryption of individual files and directories.
FDE and FLE are not mutually exclusive and can be implemented together to enhance security, as they address different aspects of data protection.
How does FDE work?
FDE security works by encrypting all data on a disk drive, ensuring the data remains coded and secure without the correct decryption key. Effective management of encryption keys is crucial to maintain security and prevent unauthorized access to encrypted data and strong password protection ensures the integrity of encrypted systems.
When data enters the drive, it is divided into fixed-size blocks, typically 128-bit or 256-bit. Each block is then encrypted using an encryption key of a specified length, such as 128-bit, 256-bit, or 512-bit, depending on the encryption algorithm employed.
Common algorithms like AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and DES (Data Encryption Standard) define the combination of key length and block size used for encryption. AES utilizes a fixed 128-bit block size and supports key lengths of 128-bit, 192-bit, or 256-bit. It operates as a symmetric block cipher where the same key is used for encryption and decryption. In contrast, DES is an older symmetric block cipher with a 64-bit block size and 64-bit effective key length that encrypts and decrypts data in the same manner as AES.
Modern versions of certain operating systems have built-in encryption programs, for example, BitLocker for Windows and FileVault for macOS.
Types of Hard Drive or Full Disk Encryption
Hard drive or full disk encryption can be implemented through two encryption methods: software encryption and hardware encryption.
1. Software Encryption
Software encryption is a method of securing data through installing software on a host computer. This software handles the encryption and decryption of data. A password or passphrase acts as the key required to access the encrypted data. Software encryption is cost-effective for smaller companies because it utilizes existing system resources without requiring additional hardware investments.
Data encryption and decryption occur automatically. When data is written to the encryption-enabled disk, it is scrambled as it is and decrypted seamlessly when accessed with the encryption password. While this method potentially impacts overall performance by sharing the processing resources with other programs on the system, it provides a straightforward and effective means of protecting sensitive information.
2. Hardware Encryption
Hardware encryption uses a dedicated and separate processor for encrypting the data. The processor is not linked to the rest of the system. Access to the encrypted data is based on a key randomly generated by this processor. Since these keys can be difficult to remember, they can be linked to a biometric lock, such as a fingerprint scanner or a PIN.
Hardware-based full disk encryption is cost-effective for larger companies as it eliminates the need for additional software installation. It enables bulk data encryption at high speed, making it ideal for large-scale environments. Hardware encryption also features faster algorithm processing, tamper-evident key storage, and protection against unauthorized code.
Importance of Hard Drive or Full Disk Encryption
1. Data Protection and Security
Full disk encryption (FDE) is essential for safeguarding sensitive data stored on laptops and other devices. By encrypting every piece of data, full disk encryption software ensures that even if a device is lost or stolen, the information remains inaccessible to unauthorized individuals. Access to encrypted data requires the correct password or key, effectively preventing potential data breaches and protecting confidential business information from falling into the wrong hands.
2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Compliance with data protection laws and regulations is mandatory in the healthcare, finance, and government sectors. Full disk encryption is often required to protect sensitive information like personally identifiable information (PII) or protected health information (PHI). Non-compliance can result in hefty fines imposed by regulations like HIPAA and GDPR for data breaches. Implementing FDE ensures organizations meet these legal requirements, mitigating the risk of financial and legal consequences.
3. Business Reputation and Customer Trust
Beyond regulatory compliance, full disk encryption protects businesses against potential lawsuits and protects the organization’s reputation in the event of a data breach. By securing data such as financial records, customer details, and proprietary information, FDE reduces the instances of financial losses and maintains trust with customers, partners, and stakeholders.
4. Automation and Ease of Use
One key advantage of full disk encryption is automation. Once activated, FDE operates seamlessly in the background, encrypting data on the fly without requiring user intervention. This automation enhances user productivity by eliminating the need for manual encryption management, allowing employees to focus on their core tasks while ensuring data security.
What is BitLocker?
BitLocker is Microsoft’s hard-drive encryption software designed for modern versions of Windows. It encrypts entire operating system drives and additional data volumes. For optimal security, BitLocker integrates seamlessly with Trusted Platform Module (TPM), a secure cryptoprocessor storing encryption keys. Alternatively, users can employ a USB startup key for access.
The Windows full disk encryption process begins with an initial encryption phase, which may take time depending on drive specifications. This phase ensures all data remains secure even when the computer is powered off or locked. Upon unlocking with Windows login credentials, data is decrypted transparently. New files are automatically encrypted in real time.
BitLocker is available across Windows 7 (Enterprise, Ultimate), Windows 8.1 (Pro, Enterprise, Education), and Windows 10 editions. It utilizes the AES algorithm with options for CBC or XTS mode and key lengths of 128-bit or 256-bit. UEM software allows IT admins to configure BitLocker remotely on multiple work devices.
What is FileVault?
FileVault is Apple’s full disk encryption feature for macOS. It is available from Mac OS X 10.3 onwards. It is a robust macOS full disk encryption solution that operates in the background and encrypts data on the fly without disruptions. Users can access their regular files with their login credentials, eliminating the need for an additional password.
A recovery key is generated when FileVault is enabled, ensuring data recovery if needed. Utilizing the AES-XTS algorithm, FileVault employs a 128-bit block size and a 256-bit key size for encryption. FileVault settings can be remotely configured for large-scale deployments using a UEM solution, streamlining the management of multiple devices.
Best Practices for Full Disk Encryption
1. File and Data Backup
Backing up your files and data safely and securely is a must. Before implementing full-drive encryption, it is necessary to back up all the files and data regularly. This ensures a quick recovery in case of hard drive malfunction or if the encryption key or password is lost, minimizing downtime and preventing data loss.
2. Enforce Strong Password
Enforcing strong password standards for all user devices is essential, even if the devices are encrypted. To maximize the security of the encrypted drive and files, use a strong alpha-numeric passcode, as your Windows and Mac login credentials are critical for access. Additionally, ensure the screen idle lock is enabled to prevent unauthorized access to unattended and unlocked devices
3. Creating a Recovery Key
If an end user forgets the password, a recovery key is the only means of accessing encrypted data. Using a password manager or a UEM solution is a secure place to create and store a recovery key. Safeguarding the recovery key ensures re-access to the encrypted data, maintaining the integrity and availability of your data.
Configure Full Disk Encryption with Scalefusion UEM
Encrypting hard drives on multiple devices can be too complex to implement and manage. IT admins can do hard-drive encryption in bulk by choosing a fully integrated UEM solution with multi-layer security, like Scalefusion UEM.
Scalefusion allows businesses to silently encrypt their managed Windows 10 and above devices with BitLocker and macOS devices with FileVault. IT admins can configure BitLocker and FileVault settings to deploy encryption policies to all the managed Windows and macOS devices, thereby enforcing disk encryption on all the devices and enhancing desktop management.
Scalefusion also acts as an escrow agent that stores the recovery keys and presents them to IT admins when they are needed for recovery.
To know more, contact our experts to book a demo and start your 14-day free trial.
References
- & 2. Comparitech
FAQs
1. What does full disk encryption protect against?
Full disk encryption (FDE) protects your data by encrypting all information stored on a device’s drive, making it inaccessible without the correct decryption key. It safeguards sensitive information from unauthorized access, especially in cases of theft or loss of the device. Even if someone gains physical access to the device, FDE ensures the data remains unreadable without proper authentication, protecting personal files, credentials, and sensitive documents from being compromised.
2. How to turn on full disk encryption on Windows?
To enable full disk encryption, the steps depend on your device and operating system. Generally, you need to access the system’s built-in encryption feature. On Windows, BitLocker can be enabled through the Control Panel or Settings, provided your device meets the requirements, such as having a Trusted Platform Module (TPM). For Android, navigate to Settings > Security > Encrypt Phone. For other platforms, refer to specific system documentation to activate encryption, ensuring you back up important data beforehand.
3. How to enable full disk encryption on Mac?
On macOS, full disk encryption is enabled using FileVault. To turn it on, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault and click “Turn On FileVault.” You’ll be prompted to choose a recovery key method, either storing the key in iCloud or creating a local key. After enabling FileVault, the system will start encrypting your disk in the background, and you can continue using your Mac during the process.
4. Should I use FileVault or BitLocker disk encryption?
FileVault is ideal for macOS users, offering seamless integration and strong encryption, while BitLocker is best for Windows, with robust security and enterprise features like Active Directory integration. Choose based on your operating system, as both effectively protect your data.
