1. Abstract
This paper provides a brief technical overview of BitLocker™ Drive Encryption, an exciting new data protection feature in Microsoft Windows Vista™. Its primary aim is to offer insight into the feature’s lifecycle for advanced users and IT administrators who want to learn what BitLocker Drive Encryption is and how it addresses a growing data protection issue: the unwanted disclosure of confidential information -- through, for example, physical loss or theft of the computer.
This paper assumes that readers understand Trusted Platform Model (TPM) technology. For background information on TPM technology, refer to the specifications and materials maintained on the Web at
http://www.trustedcomputinggroup.org/.
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2. Overview
BitLocker™ Drive Encryption is a data protection feature available in Windows Vista Enterprise and Ultimate for client computers and in Windows Server "Longhorn". BitLocker is Microsoft’s response to one of our top customer requests: address the very real threats of data theft or exposure from lost, stolen or inappropriately decommissioned PC hardware with a tightly integrated solution in the Windows Operating System.