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Also known as BitLocker Drive Encryption

BitLocker is a full volume encryption feature included with Microsoft Windows versions starting with Windows Vista. It is designed to protect data by providing encryption for entire volumes. By default, it uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm in cipher block chaining (CBC) or "xor–encrypt–xor (XEX)-based tweaked codebook mode with ciphertext stealing" (XTS) mode with a 128-bit or 256-bit key. CBC is not used over the whole disk; it is applied to each individual sector.

Key facts

Software.name
manage-bde
Software.logo
BitLocker icon.png
Software.logo_size
x64px
Software.screenshot
Bitlocker setup window screenshot.png
Software.screenshot_size
300px
Software.caption
Screenshot of the BitLocker Drive Encryption utility
Software.developer
Microsoft
Software.other_names
Device Encryption
Software.operating system
Microsoft Windows
Software.genre
Command
Software.license
Proprietary commercial software
Software.website
manage-bde

via Wikipedia infobox

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Commons category
BitLocker
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~15 min read

Article

12 sections
Contents
  • History
  • Features
  • Device encryption
  • Encryption modes
  • Operation
  • Security concerns
  • TPM alone is not enough
  • Upholding Kerckhoffs's principle
  • Other concerns
  • See also
  • References
  • External links

BitLocker is a full volume encryption feature included with Microsoft Windows versions starting with Windows Vista. It is designed to protect data by providing encryption for entire volumes. By default, it uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm in cipher block chaining (CBC) or "xor–encrypt–xor (XEX)-based tweaked codebook mode with ciphertext stealing" (XTS) mode with a 128-bit or 256-bit key. CBC is not used over the whole disk; it is applied to each individual sector.

== History == BitLocker originated as a part of Microsoft's Next-Generation Secure Computing Base architecture in 2004 as a feature tentatively codenamed "Cornerstone" and was designed to protect information on devices, particularly if a device was lost or stolen. Another feature, titled "Code Integrity Rooting", was designed to validate the integrity of Microsoft Windows boot and system files. When used in conjunction with a compatible Trusted Platform Module (TPM), BitLocker can validate the integrity of boot and system files before decrypting a protected volume; an unsuccessful validation will prohibit access to a protected system. BitLocker was briefly called Secure Startup before Windows Vista's release to manufacturing.

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