Security and safeguarding privacy remain, perhaps now more than ever, the main concerns of anyone who uses the Internet and digital media on a daily basis. Therefore, to minimize risks, the most sensible thing to do is to use all the tools we have at our disposal. In this sense, in this post we are going to see What is Bitlocker and what is it used for?
After reading the following paragraphs, you will surely have a better understanding of what this Microsoft security feature consists of and the advantages that come with using it.
What is Bitlocker?
Bitlocker is a disk encryption tool developed by Microsoft. It is located Available in Pro, Enterprise and Education versions of WindowsThe fact that it is natively integrated into the operating system makes it much more effective in its mission of protect our data and prevent information theft.
The main function of Bitlocker is the protection of data stored on a removable hard drive through a cipher system. It is also valid for protecting the content of a removable drive such as a USB. This way, the data will be safe in case of espionage, loss or theft.
It is fair to say that this is not a new invention, as it was already launched in 2007 together with Windows Vista, but it is the latest versions (those that incorporate version 1.2 or higher of the Trusted Platform Module – TPM) that are really worth considering.
Key Features of Bitlocker
The use of this encryption system to protect data is characterized by the following aspects:
- Data encryption, using advanced algorithms specifically designed to protect information and ensure access to it only by authorized persons.
- Protection against theft or loss. It doesn't matter in whose hands our data falls, it will always be inaccessible to anyone who cannot authenticate themselves as authorized.
- Integration with the hardware of our devices. BitLocker has the ability to use a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) to securely store encryption keys. Thanks to this, it can verify the integrity of the system before starting any unlocking process.
- Compliance with current legislation, Such as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) at European level.
Finally, it is worth highlighting the specific version of the tool for encrypting external hard drives and pendrives: B allows, whose effectiveness is the same as that of the conventional version.
How to enable Bitlocker
If our computer has Windows 10 or Windows 11 installed, Bitlocker It is prepared automatically during the installation of the operating system, which makes the task of enabling the tool considerably easier. All you have to do is select the drive on which you want to apply it.
These are the steps to follow to complete the configuration:
- First, we open the Windows Explorer.
- There we click with Right click on the unit in which we want to activate Bitlocker.
- Then we select the option «Enable Bitlocker».
- In the new pop-up window that opens, we choose the way we want the encrypted drive to be unlocked:
- Through a password (must be entered twice).
- Through one Smart card (in this case we will need a smart card, a compatible reader and, obviously, the PIN).
- Then you have to choose the mode for save recovery key from the Bitlocker drive. The options are as follows:
- Save to file.
- Print the recovery key.
- The next step is to choose how much of the unit we want to encrypt:
- Only the disk space used.
- The whole unit.
- Finally, you need to select the encryption type:
- New encryption mode (recommended for fixed units).
- Compatible mode (recommended for removable drives).
- As a last step, we press the button «Start encryption».
The process may take a few minutes to complete. Once it is complete, We will be able to see the padlock symbol in unity.
Advantages and disadvantages of using Bitlocker
Bitlocker is an excellent tool for protecting confidential information on laptops. It is especially recommended for protecting sensitive company data, or for complying with fundamental security standards. However, it is also valid for individual users who wish to have an additional layer of security, always keeping in mind that its pros and cons:
Advantages
- It offers a reliable security standard.
- Easily integrates into Windows systems.
- It works for both internal drives and external devices.
- It's free (for users of supported versions of Windows).
Disadvantages
- Requires compatible hardware (preferably TPM), not always present on older computers.
- On older computers, its use may negatively affect performance.
- Important: If we lose the recovery key, we will permanently lose the data. In other words, it can become a double-edged sword.
Knowing all these details, users can decide if Bitlocker is the solution they need to keep the information contained within their devices safe.
Alternatives to Bitlocker
Although Bitlocker is a very powerful tool, it may not always be the ideal option for certain users' needs. This may be due to a lack of compatibility, or the need for more flexibility and customization. For this type of user, it may be more interesting to use one of these alternatives:
AxCrypt
A solution oriented to the individual file management, very suitable for users who do not need full disk encryption. It is very Easy to use and has very practical mobile applications. It should also be noted that the free version has limitations in many of its functions.
Link: AxCrypt
cryptomator
Interesting encryption tool, free and open source. Cryptomator is Designed to protect files stored in the cloud, offering support for cloud storage services such as Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive.
Link: cryptomator
VeraCrypt
This is one of the most popular Bitlocker alternatives. This software offers us the possibility of a Full encryption of specific disks and volumes, using advanced encryption algorithms such as AES or Serpent. It is Free and compatible with numerous operating systems, although its use is somewhat more complex than that of Bitlocker.
Link: VeraCrypt