Computer Encryption FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Mac OS X

Q: What are the operating system requirements for desktop encryption?
A: Our service requires macOS 10.14 Mojave and newer. You can submit a ticket for assistance with upgrading your Mac to a supported OS version.

Q: What happens if a person adds a new local user (they need to be an Admin in order to add a user) or changes their local account name on a mac. How often do people change their computer short names?
A: On a Mac, users need to be enabled to be able to boot the computer. Once booted other users can log in to their local accounts. Each user would need to be enabled in FileVault in order to boot the computer themselves. To enable a new user for FileVault, an admin user must add the user. When adding an authorized user, the user’s password must be entered so they need to be present.

Q: How do I know that my computer is encrypted
A: For macOS versions prior to macOS 13 Ventura - Go to System Preferences> Security and Privacy and select the FileVault tab. The FileVault encryption status will be listed there. For systems running macOS 13 Ventura Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and scroll down near the bottom of the information pane on the right. The FileVault encryption status will be shown their.

Other FAQs

Q: Are there any special rules involving traveling with encrypted computers?

A: Please see the University of California Traveling with Electronic Devices page for more information about traveling with your encrypted laptop. 

Technician KB Article