Encryption at Notre Dame

Encryption protects data from unauthorized disclosure by encoding it with a password. You should always encrypt sensitive data when there is the risk that it will be lost or stolen. The University Data Handling Standards require the use of encryption for the storage or transmission of all highly sensitive information. OIT strongly recommends the use of encryption for other sensitive information.

Notre Dame provides two options for faculty and staff seeking to encrypt data: software that encrypts your entire computer and software that encrypts individual files.

Encrypting Your Entire Computer

Notre Dame offers software to encrypt entire disks for both Windows and Macintosh systems. OIT strongly recommends the use of this software on mobile computers that contain sensitive University information.

Encrypting your computer only protects the files stored on your hard drive and only during the time they are stored on that drive. If you copy files to a CD, USB drive or send them via e-mail, you must use the individual file encryption option described below to protect them.

If you are using a Windows XP or Macintosh system, you may submit a request for computer encryption on this website. If you are using Windows Vista, please read the instructions for using Vista's built-in BitLocker encryption.

Encrypting Individual Files

Notre Dame provides WinZip software for the encryption of individual files. Please note that WinZip does not automatically encrypt files. You must follow the WinZip file encryption process to encrypt a file. OIT recommends individual file encryption for the transmission of files by electronic mail or similar means. It is also possible to decrypt encrypted ZIP files on a Macintosh.

Approved Encryption Algorithms

The following encryption algorithms are currently approved for use with Sensitive and Highly Sensitive University information:

  • Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
  • Triple Data Encryption Standard (3DES) with three keys
  • RSA (with at least a 1024-bit key)
  • Twofish

If you would like us to consider another algorithm for approval, please contact the OIT Help Desk at 631-8111.