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Laptop Hard-drive Encryption

CIT is installing hard drive encryption software on all Calvin-owned laptops.

Why is CIT doing this?

None of us want to see an article in the Grand Rapids Press "Calvin College loses 4,200 Social Security Numbers". Because we take laptops off campus and they can more easily be stolen or lost, the Information Services Committee has approved a project for CIT to encrypt the hard-drives of Calvin laptop computers. This security measure will protect any confidential information on the hard-drive even if it is lost or stolen.

You will be contacted at least one week before your laptop is encrypted. You won't have to leave your desk... just follow the instructions below:

Week 1 

When you reboot during week 1, you will see Windows disk checking software run. This will take a couple minutes during the startup process and will check for and fix any errors on your hard disk that may interfere with the encryption process. Your computer will continue to log in as it normally does.

Week 2

Additional details in pdf format

In Week 2 you will be prompted to run the hard drive encryption software itself. This one time process normally takes between 2 and 4 hours. During this time your computer will function normally (and you can continue to use it), but may respond more slowly than normal. The installer will reboot your machine when it is finished, so please choose a convenient time for you to install the software.
 
Once the installation is complete and your machine is rebooted, you will be prompted to log in to your computer as  normal however, you will see a status window indicating the encryption process is working. 
 

Once the installation process is complete you will not notice any difference in the speed of your computer. However, each time you boot up your computer you will first see a SafeGuard Enterprise login window. Please log in using your Novell username and passphrase. Once you've successfully entered your username and passphrase the computer will continue with the normal boot process.

Once your hard drive is encrypted

1. Make sure you know Novell passphrase.
2. If you are taking your laptop off campus for any length of time make sure you Novell passphrase is reset before you go. Your Novell passphrase expires every 365 days. You don't want it to expire while you are off campus.
3. If  you have trouble logging in on campus please bring your laptop down to the HelpDesk so we may help you.

If you have questions or concerns, you may contact the HelpDesk or Calvin's Information Security Officer, Zach Jansen.