Fortify Your Data Defense: AccessPatrol and Microsoft BitLocker Together

AccessPatrol can be effectively used in conjunction with Microsoft BitLocker to provide a comprehensive security solution for managing and safeguarding sensitive data. While BitLocker ensures the encryption of data on physical drives, protecting it from unauthorized access in case of device theft or loss, AccessPatrol complements this by providing robust endpoint security management.

AccessPatrol allows administrators to control and monitor the use of portable storage devices such as USB drives, external hard drives, and other peripherals connected to company computers. By setting strict policies and permissions, organizations can prevent unauthorized data transfers, thus mitigating the risk of data breaches.

Together, these tools provide a layered security approach: BitLocker encrypts the data, rendering it unreadable to unauthorized users, while AccessPatrol ensures that data remains within the controlled network environment and is only transferred through approved channels. This dual-layered defense not only enhances data security but also ensures compliance with regulatory standards by preventing data leaks and unauthorized access both internally and externally.

Implementing AccessPatrol with BitLocker enables businesses to maintain a secure and controlled IT environment, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected against both physical and digital threats.

Microsoft BitLocker

NOTE: Microsoft BitLocker is a Microsoft tool and not related to CurrentWare. CurrentWare is not responsible for any policies put in place through BitLocker.

To setting up Microsoft BitLocker via Group Policy (GPO) involves the following steps:

1. Open Group Policy Management: Launch the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) on your Windows Server.

2. Create or Edit a GPO: Create a new Group Policy Object or edit an existing one that is linked to the desired organizational unit (OU).

3. Navigate to BitLocker Settings:

   • Go to Computer Configuration >  ​ Policies > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > BitLocker Drive Encryption.
     

4. Configure BitLocker Policies:

   • For operating system drives, configure settings in the Operating System Drives folder.
   • For fixed data drives, configure settings in the Fixed Data Drives folder.
   • For removable data drives, configure settings in the Removable Data Drives folder.
   • Enable and configure policies such as "Require additional authentication at startup," "Choose drive encryption method and cipher strength," and "Configure use of passwords for operating system drives."

5. Apply the GPO: Link the GPO to the appropriate OU in Active Directory where the target computers reside.

6. Update Group Policy on Clients: Run gpupdate /force on the client machines or restart them to apply the new BitLocker policies.

By following these steps, BitLocker can be effectively deployed and managed across multiple machines via Group Policy, ensuring standardized encryption settings and compliance across the organization.

AccessPatrol

AccessPatrol protects Data Loss Prevention (DLP) by controlling and monitoring the use of portable storage devices, peripherals, and other various computer and networking components across your network. It prevents unauthorized data transfers via:

1. Device Control: Restricting or blocking access to USB drives, external hard drives, and other peripherals.
2. Policy Enforcement: Allowing administrators to set and enforce granular policies for different user groups or departments.
3. Real-Time Monitoring: Tracking and logging all device activities, including file transfers, to identify and prevent potential data breaches.
4. Granular Permissions: Providing detailed control over which devices can be used, by whom, and for what purposes.
5. Alerts and Reports: Generating alerts and detailed reports on device usage to ensure compliance and facilitate audits.

By implementing these measures, AccessPatrol ensures that sensitive data remains within the secure network environment, effectively preventing data leakage and unauthorized access.

Learn more about how CurrentWare can help reach your compliance and DLP goals. Contact our Sales team today! 

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