Secure your devices

Image of a lock over a field of circuits.

Do you use your personal devices for U-M business? Make sure they are appropriately secured to protect yourself and U-M.

If you access or maintain sensitive university data with your devices, you are responsible for securing them. See: Security of Personally Owned Devices That Access or Maintain Sensitive Institutional Data (SPG 601.33)

Start with the basics

See Secure Your Devices for links to info specific to different devices.

Turn on encryption

Encryption protects against unauthorized access to data if your device is lost or stolen.

  • iPhones and iPads have encryption turned on automatically if you require a passcode or biometric for access.
  • Android phones with Android 5 or above have encryption turned on automatically.
  • Encrypt your personal Mac by turning on FileVault.
  • Encrypt your personal Windows computer by turning on BitLocker.

Encryption is required for working with some data or systems at U-M. See details on Encrypt Your Data and Devices.

MiWorkspace laptops and Health Information Technology & Services (HITS) managed devices from Michigan Medicine are encrypted for you. If you have a university-managed device that is not encrypted, contact your IT support staff for help.

If you need to store data on a thumb drive, or other portable drive, you can purchase encrypted thumb drives from the U-M Tech Shop and have them sent directly to you.