Frequently Asked Questions about McAfee Endpoint Encryption
What is McAfee Endpoint Encryption?
McAfee Endpoint Encryption (formerly called SafeBoot Encryption) is a tool that provides Full-Disk Encryption (FDE) on Microsoft Windows computers.
What machines cannot be encrypted?
At the moment we are unable to encrypt:
- Privately owned laptops
- Desktop computers
- Machines with a Linux Operating System
- Dual/Multi Boot Systems
- Servers
- Network Shares
- USB Memory Sticks
- External Hard Drives
Please note that is your responsibility not to store sensitive data on those devices, or if you do to ensure appropriate security.
Will McAfee Endpoint Encryption hurt my system performance?
For current Maynooth University supported systems, the performance impact will be minimal. Older non-supported systems may have a more noticeable impact.
What change will I see after McAfee Endpoint Encryption is installed?
You will have a McAfee Endpoint Encryption (pre-boot) login prompt and a new icon in your System Tray.
Do I have to remember a separate password for McAfee Endpoint Encryption?
No. Your McAfee Endpoint Encryption and Windows logon passwords will sync whenever you change your password.
Since my passwords are synced, do l have to enter the password a second time in order to log into Windows?
Your machine is set up for Single Sign-On (SSO), which will automatically provide your credentials to Windows.
My password does not work on the pre-boot screen. What should I do?
If you have recently changed your Windows logon password, try entering your previous password. There are some instances where your McAfee Endpoint Encryption password becomes "out of sync" with your Windows logon password.
If entering your old password works, you must right-mouse click on the McAfee Endpoint Encryption icon in the System Tray, and select "Synchronize". This will synchronize your McAfee Endpoint Encryption password with your Windows logon password. If this still does not work, please contact the Service Desk.
Will my network drives be encrypted?
No. McAfee Endpoint Encryption will not encrypt network drives.
Are files that I store on my USB thumb drive/external hard drive encrypted?
No, only files on your local machine's hard drive are encrypted.
Note: All external drives or active drives should be unplugged or made 'not ready' during installation and during the initial McAfee Endpoint Encryption synchronization to the server. This will prevent the drives from being accidentally encrypted.
Are files that I save on network shares encrypted as well?
No, only files on your local machine's hard drive are encrypted.
Will McAfee Endpoint Encryption have any effect on existing applications?
McAfee Endpoint Encryption is transparent to the Windows operating system. Existing applications will continue to work as before.
If I send a file to a colleague in email, is it encrypted?
No, only files on your local machine's hard drive are encrypted.
Can I work on my machine while it is performing the initial encryption?
Yes. You may notice a slight decrease in performance while this process is executing, but this decreased performance will cease when the encryption has completed (usually 4-5 hours).
Can I shut my machine down while it is encrypting?
Yes, but it is not recommended that you do so. If possible, wait for the encryption process to complete before shutting your machine down. If you have to shut it down, it will resume where it left off on the next startup.
NOTE: Do not use the power button on your machine to shutdown your machine during the encryption process.
How do I know when my machine has finished encrypting my hard drive?
You can display the status of the hard drive encryption by looking at the McAfee Endpoint Encryption Status from the System Tray.
How do I know if my machine is still encrypted?
You can display the status of the hard drive encryption by looking at the McAfee Endpoint Encryption Status.
Is my machine protected if I put it into "Standby" mode?
Not completely. Since you machine will not require you to re-authenticate to Endpoint Encryption when bringing it out of Standby, it is recommended that you turn off your machine when traveling with it or when leaving for the day.
Now that I have encryption on my machine, do I still have to be wary of the files that I store on it?
Yes. Encryption is only one piece of the security puzzle. It is best to have only data on your machine that has an immediate business need. It is recommended that any critical data be stored on OneDrive or Teams. This will also address the need to back up this data. If your machine is lost or stolen and your data is on OneDrive or Teams, you will still have access to it.
How come my keyboard doesn't work correctly in the pre-boot environment?
Wireless keyboards do not always work correctly in the pre-boot environment. You will need to use a standard USB keyboard.
What type of encryption is used?
The entire contents of the hard drive are encrypted using the government standard AES-256 encryption algorithm.
Is McAfee Endpoint Encryption available for personal laptops?
No. Our licensing covers Maynooth University-owned machines only.