Installation of encryption software starts August 21

To better ensure the security of sensitive data, Information and Communication Services will be installing encryption software for workstations and laptop computers.

Information and Communication Services will deploy this software to all UC Davis Health System Microsoft Windows systems in a phased approach, starting August 21 and extending through the end of the year. Employees who have a system that is not a UC Davis Health System Microsoft Windows workstation or laptop will not receive the software.

Encryption is the translation of data into a secret code, and is the most effective way to achieve data security. To read an encrypted file, a user must have access to a key or password that enables him or her to decrypt it.

The process means that sensitive data will now be encrypted on health system workstations. Employees should not notice any changes to their systems, with the exception of a new icon in their systems tray, located in the lower right corner of their monitor. Systems will automatically encrypt sensitive data the first time employees log in after the software is installed.

A window will appear informing employees of encryption progress. This is a one-time event. After the initial encryption pass, systems will function as before.