Why Encrypt Data?
It is important to remember that the victims of compromises usually only realize that they have been victimized after many weeks or, more likely, months after infection with a virus. Poorly secured systems (no firewall, antivirus, OS updates, no data encryption, physical securing devices) are usually the most common way malevolent people gain unauthorized access. In order to meet our legal obligations and our responsibility to protect the privacy of those we serve, The University of Iowa requires hard disk encryption for all highly sensitive data stored on a mobile device (i.e. a laptop computer or smart phone). The best way to avoid theft of sensitive data is by not storing it on your device in the first place. Removing sensitive data as soon as it’s no longer in use is another way to reduce risk. It was reported that 1/2 to 1/3 of all reported information breeches occurred at colleges and universities.
