Using the UAB Wireless Network

PGP Whole Disk Encryption software (or FileVault for Macs) is designed to provide an additional layer of security for your data. Encryption is required for laptops used for UAB Business, and it is highly recommended for desktops in theft-prone areas. PGP software essentially "locks down" your hard drive, making the data accessible only to you and those you authorize. The disk encryption, in conjunction with logon and screensaver passwords, protects UAB data if the computer is lost or stolen.

Encryption Methods:

• Encrypting with Mac OS X FileVault 10.7 (Lion)
• Encrypting with Mac OS X FileVault 10.6 or Below
• PGP Whole Disk Encryption: Windows Installation Instructions
• PGP Whole Disk Encryption: Mac OS Installation Instructions
• Linux Encrypted File System: Fedora
• Linux Encrypted File System: Ubuntu
• Linux Encrypted File System: Ubuntu (advanced configuration)
• Microsoft BitLocker on Windows 8

Additional PGP Documentation:

• PGP Client License Troubleshooting
• Adding and Removing Users in PGP Desktop
• Portable Drives
• Virtual Disks
• Zip Encrypted Archives
• Shredder
• Reporting Issues
• Drive Recovery
• PGP Guide for Campus Administrators
• Windows XP Preinstallation Environment (PE) for PGP Whole Disk Encryption
• Devices Incompatible with PGP

Gartner Research

Provided as a service to the UAB Community through UAB IT, Gartner delivers technology-related insight and information to chief information officers and senior IT executives around the world. Through UAB's agreement with Gartner much of that insight and information is now available to all current UAB faculty, staff, and students.

 LOGON TO GARTNER

Once logged on you can browse the site or search for specific research information. You can also set up alerts to automatically notify you when new information is added related to a topic of interest. Searching, browsing, and alerts are all free to use. Gartner also creates your profile using the Blazer login information. Profiles can easily be customized within the Gartner service. A link called "Your Profile" is at the top of every Gartner page.

The "Ask an Analyst" feature shown on the web site is not included free to Reference Users. Use of that feature is available only to certain Advisor Users and may result in additional costs to the University. Ask an Analyst provides one-to-one live contact for requesting additional research.

The Quickstart Guide provides more detail on how to search, browse, and set up alerts.  The Registration section is not appropriate to UAB as you logon as indicated above through BlazerNet...do not follow the Registration instructions in the Quickstart Guide.

Do you use your laptop for UAB business?

Do you provide your own tech support?

Has your laptop been encrypted?

If you answered yes to the first two questions but have not encrypted your laptop, you are encouraged to take advantage of the options listed below to protect UAB data by encrypting your laptop.

HSIS Customers: Please contact the Health System Information Services (HSIS) Help Desk at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or 205-934-8888 for assistance with laptop encryption.

AskIT Customers: Please choose from the options listed below or contact the AskIT help desk at 205-996-5555 for assistance with laptop encryption.

Laptop Encryption Options:

Option 1 - Option 1 - Let Us Do It For You-!
This option requires that the laptop is dropped off at one of our locations for at least 1-2 business days.  The following procedures will be performed on your machine:

• Backing up your data
• Verifying or installing antivirus software
• Updating antivirus definitions and scanning for viruses
• Scanning with hardware diagnostic software
• Installing operating system updates
• Defragmenting the hard drive
• Encrypting your laptop

Option 2 - Do It Yourself: "How-To" Documentation & Training Videos 
This is a do it yourself option. Please refer to the documentation and training videos on the following topics for information on how to configure and encrypt laptop computers. 

• How to create a strong password
• How to configure your laptop
• How to scan for missing patches
• How to update applications
• How to install OS updates
• How to install antivirus
• How to backup your machine
• How to defragment your hard drive
• How to run SpinRite hardware diagnostic software
• How to encrypt your laptop

Please feel free to contact us with any questions through our help desk, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , by email or phone at 205-996-5555.