What is BitLocker?

BitLocker is a full disk encryption feature included with the Ultimate and Enterprise editions of Microsofts vista, 7 and Pro and Enterprise editions of the Windows 8 operating systems, as well as the server platforms, Windows Server 2008 and 2012.

By default the system uses the AES encryption algorithm in CBC mode with a 128-bit or 256-bit key, combined with the "Elephant" diffuser for additional encryption-specific security not provided by AES.

• BitLocker Drive Encryption is a logical volume encryption system.
• A volume may or may not be an entire drive, or it can span one or more physical drives.
• TPM and BitLocker can ensure the integrity of the trusted boot path in order to provent offline physical attacks, boot sector malware, etc.
• At least two NTFS-formatted volumes are required: one for the operating system and another with a minimum 100mb size from which the operating system boots.