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Disk encryption policy and recovery key storage

Learn best practices for implementing disk encryption policies and securely storing recovery keys to protect sensitive data.

Disk encryption is crucial for safeguarding data against device loss or theft, with recovery keys automatically managed and stored by Primo during the encryption process, ensuring easy access if a user forgets their password.


 

General information

Disk encryption is an essential security measure to protect data in the event of device loss or theft.

To ensure your devices are encrypted, this setting must be enabled in your MDM security profiles.

 

 

Recovery keys

Recovery keys are essential to access data on the device’s disk. They can also be used if a user forgets their password.

Factorial IT automatically retrieves and stores recovery keys during the encryption process. They are stored per device in the Fleet > Devices tab.

Recovery keys are only stored in Factorial IT if encryption is enabled in your MDM security policies > Profiles tab.

 

 

General encryption process

Encryption flow

  1. Enroll the device into the MDM
  2. Wait 3 to 4 hours for the helper to install and manage the recovery key
  3. Restart the device (required only for macOS)
  4. Wait another 3 to 4 hours: the recovery key will be saved in Factorial IT

Behavior by OS

macOS

  • Encryption is managed by FileVault.
  • FileVault is automatically enabled during MDM installation.
  • Encryption becomes effective after the next restart.
  • The recovery key is stored at that point.

Windows

  • Encryption is managed by BitLocker.
  • It is automatically enabled after MDM installation.
  • No restart is required.
  • The key is stored as soon as encryption is activated.

Linux

  • Encryption often requires a full disk reset and OS reinstallation.
  • Factorial IT does not support automatic encryption for Linux devices.

Encryption timeframes

Encryption duration depends on:

  • The disk size
  • The device's performance

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