Windows 11 information systems must use BitLocker to encrypt all disks to protect the confidentiality and integrity of all information at rest.
An XCCDF Rule
Description
<VulnDiscussion>If data at rest is unencrypted, it is vulnerable to disclosure. Even if the operating system enforces permissions on data access, an adversary can remove non-volatile memory and read it directly, thereby circumventing operating system controls. Encrypting the data ensures that confidentiality is protected even when the operating system is not running.</VulnDiscussion><FalsePositives></FalsePositives><FalseNegatives></FalseNegatives><Documentable>false</Documentable><Mitigations></Mitigations><SeverityOverrideGuidance></SeverityOverrideGuidance><PotentialImpacts></PotentialImpacts><ThirdPartyTools></ThirdPartyTools><MitigationControl></MitigationControl><Responsibility></Responsibility><IAControls></IAControls>
- ID
- SV-253259r958870_rule
- Severity
- High
- References
- Updated
Remediation - Manual Procedure
Enable full disk encryption on all information systems (including SIPRNet) using BitLocker.
BitLocker, included in Windows, can be enabled in the Control Panel under "BitLocker Drive Encryption" as well as other management tools.
Note: An alternate encryption application may be used in lieu of BitLocker providing it is configured for full disk encryption and satisfies the pre-boot authentication requirements (WN11-00-000031 and WN11-00-000032).