General features of Cytomic Encryption

Supported authentication types

Cytomic Encryption supports various methods to authenticate encrypted disks. The operating system version and the presence of a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip determine the type of authentication to use. The supported authentication methods are (in the order we recommend them):

Windows

  • Security Processor (TPM) and Password: Compatible with all supported versions of Microsoft Windows. The TPM chip must be enabled in the BIOS, and a PIN must be established.

  • Security Processor (TPM): Compatible with all supported versions of Microsoft Windows. The TPM chip must be enabled in the BIOS, except in Windows 10, where it is automatically enabled.

  • USB drive: Requires a USB key and a computer that can read USB devices while booting. Required on Windows 7 computers without a TPM chip.

  • Password: Only available on computers than run Windows 8 or higher without a TPM chip.

macOS

On macOS operating systems, the authentication method used is a login password. Compatible with all macOS versions supported by Cytomic Encryption. See Supported Windows operating systems.

By default, Cytomic Encryption uses an encryption method that includes the use of a TPM chip, if available. If you choose an authentication method not included in the above list, the management console shows a warning indicating that the computer will not be encrypted.

Supported storage devices

Cytomic Encryption supports these internal storage devices:

Windows and macOS

  • Fixed storage drives on a computer (system and data).

Windows

  • Used storage space on virtual hard drives (VHD).

  • Removable hard drives.

  • USB drives.

These storage devices are not supported:

  • Dynamic hard drives.

  • Small partitions.

  • Other external storage devices.

Cytomic Encryption minimum requirements

The minimum requirements are divided into these categories:

  • Supported Windows operating systems.

  • Supported macOS operating systems.

  • Hardware requirements for Windows computers.

Supported Windows operating systems

  • Microsoft Windows 7 (Ultimate, Enterprise)

  • Microsoft Windows 8/8.1 (Pro, Enterprise)

  • Microsoft Windows 10 (Pro, Enterprise, Education)

  • Microsoft Windows 11 (Pro, Enterprise, Education)

  • Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, and higher (includes Server Core editions)

Supported macOS operating systems

  • macOS 10.15 Catalina

  • macOS 11.0 Big Sur

  • macOS 12 Monterey

  • macOS 13 Ventura

  • macOS 14 Sonoma

Hardware requirements for Windows computers

  • Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2 and higher (if used to authenticate).

  • USB key and a computer that can read USB drives from the BIOS (Windows 7).

For macOS operating systems, there are no specific hardware requirements.