If your laptop has been provided with TrueCrypt Encryption software configured to provide Full Disk Encryption. You will be asked for the TrueCrypt password when the laptop is powered on. The machine will not boot up, nor will data on the hard disk of the machine be accessible until the correct password is entered.
Encryption represents only one part of data security. We would like to provide you with additional information to help you to make your data more secure:
- The Maynooth University laptop TrueCrypt encryption only encrypts the contents of the hard disk.
- Copies of you files to another location or device (i.e. USB key, USB hard disk, CD / DVD, network location) are not encrypted.
- Similar to copying files is moving files away from the encrypted laptop those files are not encrypted
- Your e-mails, or the attachments of your e-mails, are not encrypted
- Files sent to external servers or websites are not encrypted
Bearing the above in mind, please think about the following “Do’s and Don’ts” while using your encrypted laptop:
DO...
- keep an unencrypted backup of your data in a secure location
- choose and use a secure TrueCrypt password (see additional information)
- switch off, or lock out, your machine while not in use
DON’T...
- write down your TrueCrypt password
- use the same password for your NUIM Logon and TrueCrypt
- leave your laptop unattended. If necessary press Ctrl + Alt + Del and click Lock this computer
Note that to prevent permanent loss of data in the event of hardware failure, where data recovery from an encrypted drive may prove impossible to execute, it is recommended to keep an unencrypted copy of the data stored in a secure location.