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138: Disk Encryption (Bitlocker)

Overview​

Deploying BitLocker encryption settings to Windows devices using Microsoft Intune is a robust way to ensure data security across your organization. Here's a detailed overview:

Benefits​

  1. Enhanced Security: BitLocker encrypts the entire drive, protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access, especially in cases of device theft or loss.
  2. Centralized Management: Intune allows you to manage BitLocker settings from a single console, simplifying the deployment and monitoring process.
  3. Compliance: Helps meet regulatory requirements by ensuring data is encrypted and secure.
  4. Recovery Options: Intune provides built-in recovery key management, making it easier to recover data if needed.

Drawbacks​

  1. Initial Setup Complexity: Configuring BitLocker settings, especially for large organizations, can be complex and time-consuming.
  2. Performance Impact: Encryption can slightly impact device performance, although this is generally minimal with modern hardware.
  3. Compatibility Issues: Enabling BitLocker on devices already using third-party encryption solutions can cause conflicts and potential data loss.

Impact on End Users​

  • Improved Security: Users benefit from enhanced data security without needing to take additional actions.
  • Minimal Disruption: Properly configured BitLocker settings can be deployed silently, minimizing disruption to users.
  • Recovery Support: Users have access to recovery options if they forget their BitLocker PIN or password.

Tying to Zero Trust​

Zero Trust is a security model that assumes no implicit trust and continuously verifies every request. Deploying BitLocker through Intune aligns with Zero Trust principles by:

  • Ensuring Data Security: BitLocker encryption ensures that data is secure, even if a device is compromised.
  • Continuous Verification: Regularly updated encryption policies help maintain secure access, aligning with the continuous verification aspect of Zero Trust.
  • Reducing Attack Surface: By encrypting data at rest, BitLocker reduces the potential attack surface.

Would you like more details on any specific aspect of this process?

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 7/30/2024 (1) Encrypt Windows devices with BitLocker in Intune - Microsoft Intune .... https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/intune/protect/encrypt-devices. (2) Intune endpoint security disk encryption policy settings. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/intune/protect/endpoint-security-disk-encryption-profile-settings. (3) Configure BitLocker on Windows Devices with Intune - Recast Software. https://www.recastsoftware.com/resources/configure-bitlocker-with-intune-disk-encryption-profiles/. (4) Configuring BitLocker via Microsoft Intune settings catalog. https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/intune-customer-success/configuring-bitlocker-via-microsoft-intune-settings-catalog/ba-p/3770382. (5) Managing BitLocker in the enterprise using Microsoft Endpoint Manager. https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/intune-customer-success/managing-bitlocker-in-the-enterprise-using-microsoft-endpoint/ba-p/1213897.

Reference​