BitLocker is a full disk encryption feature included with Microsoft Windows.
It provides encryption for entire volumes to protect data from unauthorized access.
BitLocker can be managed centrally, allowing administrators to enforce encryption policies across all devices.
Importance:
- Encryption protects sensitive data from unauthorized access, especially in case of device theft or loss.
- It ensures data confidentiality and integrity, meeting compliance requirements for data protection.
- Centralized management of BitLocker allows for consistent application of encryption policies across the organization.
Frameworks and Controls
In reference to the CIS Controls, BitLocker can support the following controls:
- Inventory and Control of Hardware Assets (Control 2):
- Ensure all devices are encrypted and inventoried to prevent unauthorized access to hardware.
- Inventory and Control of Software Assets (Control 3):
- Maintain control over software running on encrypted devices.
- Continuous Vulnerability Management (Control 5):
- Encryption helps mitigate vulnerabilities associated with data theft from lost or stolen devices.
- Controlled Use of Administrative Privileges (Control 6):
- Prevent unauthorized users from accessing encrypted data by managing administrative privileges.
- Maintenance, Monitoring, and Analysis of Audit Logs (Control 10):
- BitLocker can generate logs for encryption activities, aiding in monitoring and analysis.
In reference to the ISO 27001 standard, BitLocker can support the following controls:
- Handling of Sensitive Information (A.8.2.3):
- Encryption ensures sensitive information is protected from unauthorized access.
- Cryptographic Controls (A.10.1.1):
- BitLocker provides cryptographic controls for data at rest, ensuring compliance with encryption policies.
- Secure Disposal or Reuse of Equipment (A.11.2.6):
- Encryption ensures data is securely wiped from devices before disposal or reuse.
- Logging and Monitoring (A.12.4.1):
- Logs generated by BitLocker can be used to monitor encryption status and access attempts.
In reference to the NIST framework, BitLocker can support the following controls:
- Physical Access Control (PE-3):
- Encryption adds an additional layer of security to physical access controls, protecting data even if devices are physically accessed.
- Cryptographic Key Establishment and Management (SC-12):
- BitLocker involves key management practices to secure encryption keys.
- Media Transport Protection (MP-5):
- Encryption ensures data remains secure during transport or when devices are moved between locations.
In reference to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, BitLocker can support the following tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs):
- Exploitation for Client Execution (T1203):
- BitLocker can help mitigate the impact of client-side exploits by protecting data even if a system is compromised.
- New Service (T1050):
- Encryption can prevent attackers from easily accessing data by starting new services on compromised devices.
- Data Encrypted for Impact (T1486):
- BitLocker can help organizations recover from ransomware attacks by ensuring that backups and recovery processes are in place for encrypted data.