Who Is Affected?
Faculty and staff who use a University-owned Mac computer for work.
What Is Happening?
ITS is enabling FileVault on University-owned Mac devices.
FileVault is Apple’s built-in disk encryption technology that helps protect data stored on a Mac. Similar to BitLocker on Windows computers, FileVault encrypts the contents of a device’s local storage to help prevent unauthorized access.
When?
Monday, June 15, 2026, at 7 a.m.
Why This Change?
Enabling FileVault helps protect University data if a device is lost or stolen.
This update is part of ITS’s ongoing efforts to:
- Strengthen security across the University
- Protect sensitive data stored on devices
- Align security standards across both Windows and Mac computers
- Support University and regulatory security requirements
Do I Need to Do Anything?
No.
FileVault will be enabled automatically. You may see a notification after logging in that FileVault has been enabled, but no action is required.
Important Notes
- Local storage is only protected while the Mac is powered off or at the startup login screen. Once you are logged in, authorized users can access files normally.
- Startup login behavior will change. Because FileVault encrypts the Mac’s storage, macOS requires a local login at startup to unlock and decrypt the device.
- As a result, the Jamf Connect login window will no longer appear immediately after startup.
- The Jamf Connect login window will continue to appear when:
- The Mac is locked and needs to be unlocked
- The current user signs out
Need Help?
Find answers online or contact 6-TECH:
- Search for tech solutions: 6tech.uncg.edu
- Phone: (336) 256-TECH (8324)
- Email: 6-TECH@uncg.edu
- Submit a ticket: 6-TECH Online Portal
