![]() ![]() BitLocker to Go, which is available on Windows 8 Professional and Enterprise editions, now has the ability to progressively encrypt only the portions of a drive you’re actually using, instead of the entire drive (as was the case with Windows 7). While the lion’s share of the new features is meant to reduce headaches for IT professionals managing BitLocker use in business, Microsoft has also sped up the initial drive encryption process. And with Windows 8, Microsoft has updated BitLocker to Go with some new features that make it faster and easier to use than ever before. It uses the same encryption technology, but instead of protecting an OS volume, it’s designed to secure data stored on a portable drive, such as a USB flash or hard-disk drive. Not only does BitLocker give users the ability to encrypt their OS volume to prevent access to a system and the data stored on it, but a feature called BitLocker to Go (introduced with Windows 7) enables encryption of externally attached portable drives. To secure the data, BitLocker uses an AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption algorithm with a 128-bit key plus a data-mixing algorithmic function (known as an Elephant diffuser) for disk-related security features not offered by AES alone.īitLocker to Go can be enabled in the new Windows 8 UI by searching for the feature or via File Explorer while in Desktop mode. Like most encryption utilities, BitLocker protects your data by making it unreadable or inaccessible without a password or some other form of unique key. One of the best-kept secrets of Windows 8, BitLocker to Go is the latest incarnation of an encryption tool that’s been included with select versions of Windows since Microsoft first introduced BitLocker disk encryption with Vista, way back in 2007. Luckily, Windows users can easily hedge their bets against such disasters by using the free BitLocker to Go utility to quickly encrypt portable drives. ![]() ![]() Losing a drive that also contains valuable personal data or confidential company information will ruin your whole week-and maybe your career. Losing your USB flash drive before a big presentation is a terrible way to start a Monday.
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