The Office of Information Security Services is taking steps to ensure all data on university-owned computers is encrypted and secure. Ball State uses Dell Data Protection (DDP) end point security encryption software to help protect all university-owned Mac and Windows computers. It provides full-system data protection by using various methods of encryption.

DDP encrypts and secures the data, which keeps any sensitive data secured and in compliance with Information Technology’s security recommendations. If a computer is lost or stolen, encryption helps protects data from being accessed by unauthorized sources. Once installed on a university-owned computer, DDP communicates with an IT server and pulls down an appropriate security policy for the device. Two secured keys are created and stored, which then begins the encryption process. Regular communication with the IT server allows Information Security Services to keep machines in compliance and monitor any issues that might arise.

DDP also uses Active Directory-based activation and validates user accounts for policy based encryption, so creating and maintaining a strong Ball State password is essential in helping protect the encrypted data. If someone has your Ball State login credentials, they can access the data on your computer, despite the DDP encryption.

If your computer is ever lost or stolen, or if you would simply like to learn more about end point security encryption, please contact Information Security Services by email at security@bsu.edu or by phone at 765-285-4390.