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Removable Media (USB Drive) Encryption

About Removable Media Encryption (RME)

RME is a file-based encryption solution to prevent against the loss of data arising from the misplacement or theft of removable media, such as a USB drive or an external hard drive

Managed vs Unmanaged Systems

A managed system is a Windows PC on campus that RME is installed. Otherwise, the system is unmanaged, such as a Mac PC or an off campus Windows PC.

All files copied from a managed system to a USB drive are encrypted without exception.

Work on an Unmanaged System

On an unmanaged system, Access Utility MUST be run first, and all actions, encrypting, copying (adding), reading and decrypting files or folders, must be carried out inside of the utility window. Otherwise, encrypted files on the USB drive cannot be read, and files newly copied to the USB drive will not be encrypted.

Access Utility

Access Utility on an USB drive

When connecting a USB drive to a managed PC, Access Utilities for Windows and Mac PCs are copied over automatically.

Access Utility

They can also be manually downloaded from the support web site: http://

Encrypt (Copy/Add) Files/Folders to a USB Drive

On an unmanaged system, open Access Utility first and work in the utility window

  • When files or folders are copied to this USB drive, a password (at least 4 digits) is required for encryption
  • After the password is set, files/folders copied to the USB drive are encrypted automatically using this password until the drive is disconnected.
  • This password is required when reading the encrypted files

Encryption

Reading Encrypted Files on a USB Drive

On an unmanaged system, open Access Utility first and work in the utility window

  • Opening an encrypted file triggers a dialog box to enter the password that the files is encrypted with.
  • After the password typed in correctly, the file is open.
  • This password is also saved as the encryption password for all files/folders copied in the rest of the session until the USB drive is disconnected

Decrypt file

Decrypt and copy Files from a USB Drive to a PC

On an unmanaged system, open Access Utility first and work in the utility window

  • Copying or Decrypting an encrypted file through Access Utility window triggers a dialog box to enter the password that the files is encrypted with.
  • After the password typed in correctly, the file is copied to the drive location specified.
  • This password is also saved as the encryption password for all files/folders copied in the rest of the session until the USB drive is disconnected.