How to enable encryption on Mac and Linux

This guide explains the process for enabling hard drive encryption on Mac and Linux.

This guide is aimed at:

• All UCL students and staff using non-Desktop@UCL machines.

Instructions

Encryption for Mac

The new Mac computers with T2 security chip have a built in encryption of your Home folder. There is also an option of using the Disk Utility tool to create an encrypted disk image to store encrypted files. In addition users are advised to turn on FileVault for additional security which requires a password to decrypt data.

• To turn on FireVault:
  Follow the instructions on the Mac support web page: About encrypted storage on your new Mac.

Encryption for Linux

Full disk encryption on Linux depends on which Linux distribution you are using, see the links below for instructions for some popular Linux distributions:

• Ubuntu
• Fedora
• Red Hat

Related guides and other information

• BitLocker encryption on staff Desktop@UCL computers
• How to enable BitLocker encryption on Windows