Do you know about the windows encryption method? Windows is the hugely popular operating system produced by Microsoft. It is used in majority of the computer systems worldwide. The latest version of this operating system is Windows 10 Pro and it has a built-in encryption system that protects your data by encrypting it with an unbreakable code. The Windows proprietary encryption method is known as Bitlocker and can be used to encrypt your entire hard disk drive. It can also be used to protect your computer against unauthorized changes occurring at the firm-ware level.
Windows Encryption
In both of these ways, Bitlocker is able to protect your computer form viruses, hackers and unauthorized access of various types. In addition to Windows 10, Bitlocker is available in Windows versions such as Windows Vista, Vista 7, Vista Ultimate, Enterprise and Windows 8.1 Enterprise and 8.1 Pro. For you to use the Bitlocker windows encryption method, your computer needs to run one of these operating system flavors. In addition to that, you need to have a storage drive which has 2 partitions and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM). Here is more about this Windows encryption method.
How do you know if your computer system has these characteristics?
As indicated above, your computer system needs to have a TPM and a hard drive with at least two partitions. The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is important because it can run an authentication check upon your computer hardware, software and firmware. If it detects any unauthorized changes in any of these levels, then it will boot into a restricted mode. This deters further progress by your attackers until you can eliminate the threat. Do you know if your computer system has this TPM built into it? You don’t have to worry if you are not aware. The Bitlocker windows encryption program will perform the system check for you when you activate it.
Characteristics of Bitlocker
It is proprietary in nature
This windows encryption method is proprietary. This means that it is regarded as Microsoft intellectual property. As such, it is not open-source. This means that it is impossible to look into its source code. While this indicates stability, there are some people who are concerned that Bitlocker itself is not as secure as we would want.
Some people worry that a back-door program was built into the program by Microsoft under coercion by the US government. As such, the program may not be able to protect your information from government-backed actors such as border control or the intelligence services. However, it will keep your data secure against any attackers who have stolen or messed with your computer system.
It performs comprehensive encryption
The Bitlocker windows encryption system normally encrypts the entire Windows operating system. It works on the user files, swap files, operating system files and hibernation files too. In doing so, the program protects your computer system from offline access in case your attacker gains access to your computer system. They will not be able to gain entry into your system because they do not have the Bitlocker encryption key.
How the Bitlocker encryption program works with the TPM chip
The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is an essential part of the Bitlocker encrypting process. It stores the encryption key. This is a separate, safe location for it. This chip is located within the computer system and can authenticate the computer hardware. Moreover, it is only released after Bitlocker is able to assess and identify the integrity of the boot environment. After the encryption program deems the system stable, it releases the key and gives you access.
Conclusion
If you have sensitive information in your computer system, then it is highly advisable to encrypt it. If you are using a Windows machine, you can do so by using the Bitlocker encryption facility. The features of this windows encryption program are indicated above.