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Self-Service: How To Encrypt a Cell Phone or Tablet (iOS and Android)

Modified on: Tue, 3 Sep 2024 1:48 PM

Introduction

 

This article is written for University of Alberta staff, faculty, or students who are utilizing personal cell phone or tablet devices to store university data.


The University of Alberta requires that any portable device (laptop, Macbook, cell phone or tablet) that stores university related data needs to be encrypted.  Encryption technologies scramble the data on the storage drive.  This prevents a threat actor who may gain access to your device in an unauthorized manner from accessing sensitive data stored on the drive.  


Please be advised, Information Services & Technology (IST) provides these guidelines to assist clients with safeguarding their personal computing devices, however we do not provide any technical support or assistance for personal cell phones or tablets, even those registered in the Work From Home Program.  Managing the encryption and access of a personal cell phone or tablet is the sole responsibility of the individual that owns the device in question.    

If you have a cell phone or tablet provided by the University of Alberta or your department and you would like assistance with encryption, please contact IST at 780-492-8000 or log a ticket with us via our website.  More information about encryption and why it is important can be found on our website here.  

 


 

Procedure

 

Modern mobile cell phones and tablets are very straightforward to encrypt, with no account or separate encryption key file required.  Apple (iOS) devices use a File Based Encryption method, while Google (Android) devices use a Disk Based Encryption method.  Both methods scramble the personal data of the individual using the device, and encryption ensures only an authorized user can get into the phone or tablet.  

These instructions are for personally owned devices only.  It is strongly recommended you review the information provided in this article for your relevant phone or tablet operating system; you may have to consult the manual or support website from your device manufacturer to complete some steps.  IST cannot assist in encrypting your personally owned cell phone or tablet beyond providing these basic guidelines.  




Encrpyting an Apple (iOS) Device


When you setup an iPhone or iPad encryption is enabled automatically when you setup a passcode or Touch/Face ID to unlock the device.  It is strongly recommended you utilize Touch/Face ID, as biometric unlocking is unique to the individual user, while a passcode can be forgetten, guessed, or stolen.  

To confirm your device is encrypted, open the Settings app and navigate to Face ID & Passcode.  Scroll to the bottom of the page, if you see a message that reads Data protection is enabled, your device is encrypted.  If you do not see this message, enable Touch/Face ID or a passcode to encrypt your device and follow the on-screen prompts to setup.  


Please be advised IST cannot assist with the setup or technical support of encryption on personal devices.  



Encrypting a Google (Android) Device

When you setup an Android device encryption is enabled automatically if you choose to setup a biometric (fingerprint or face scan) login to the device, or a PIN, passcode, or password.  If you do not have one of these options turned on, enabling them in your phone will encrypt your device.  It is strongly recommended to use a biometric option, as a PIN, passcode, or password may be guessed or stolen.  

The challenge with Android devices is that several manufacturers make Android hardware, and create customized versions of the Android operating system to run on their phone. This makes it difficult to provide specific walkthroughs to help enable these options. In general, you can find these options under Settings > Security and privacy.  If you're unable to locate these options, consult the support manual from your device manufacturers website.  Popular Android phones include the Samsung Galaxy lineup, and the Google Pixel phone line.  


Please be advised IST cannot assist with the setup or technical support of encryption on personal devices.  



Device Compatibility


All current in-market Apple iPhone and iPad models have encryption capabilities, and all previous models dating back to the original support encryption functionality.  However, if your personal iPhone or iPad cannot receive major software or security updates from Apple due to it's age, it's recommended to upgrade the device to keep your data as secure as possible.  


All current in-market Android devices have encryption capabilities, and models dating back to Android version 4.4 have this functionality.  However, if your personal Android device cannot receive major software or security updates from Google or your device manufacturer due to it's age, it's recommended to upgrade the device to keep your data as secure as possible.  


 

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