All mobile devices – phones and tablets – used to access ECU email or other business functions like multifactor authentication require the device meet security requirements and enable encryption(ECU Mobile Computing Regulation, 2019). This article outlines how to prevent unauthorized access and enable encryption on your personal mobile device.*
For assistance with the encryption of any ECU-purchased mobile device, submit the Device Encryption service request.
Also, see these related policies for more information:
Apple iPhone/iPad/iPod
Since the release of iOS 9 in 2015, setting up a passcode, Touch ID or Face ID enables encryption on iPhone, iPad, and iPod. The process to enable a passcode may vary depending on the iOS version and is subject to change with newer iOS updates.
Follow these quick instructions or see this Apple Support iPhone User Guide Article, "Set a Passcode on iPhone."
Step 1. Know your Apple ID credentials and be sure you can access your Apple account before enabling a passcode. You may need to unlock your device if you forget the passcode.
Step 2. On your device, tap Settings, then do one of the following:
- Tap Face ID & Passcode, or
- Tap Touch ID & Passcode (for devices with a Home button)
Step 3. Tap Turn Passcode On or Change Passcode.
Android Device
Since the release of Android version 10 in 2019, device encryption is enabled by default, but a screen lock must be enabled to provide actual data protection.
You may need to search online for instructions if your device’s menu does not match these instructions. Android encryption may take an hour or more to process.
NOTE: It is advised you back up your device's data prior to enabling encryption in case of an issue.
Follow these quick instructions or see this Pixel Phone Help article, "Encrypt Your Data."
Step 1. Know your Google account credentials and be sure you can access your account before enabling a passcode. You may need to unlock your device if you forget the passcode.
Step 2. On your device, tap Settings, then Security and Location, then Screen Lock.
Step 3. To choose a screen lock, tap Pattern, PIN or Password.
Step 4. You'll be asked to further protect this device by requiring your PIN, pattern or password when the device starts. The first time you choose this setting, it will encrypt your device.
- Select Require to start device
- Tap Continue
Step 5. Set your PIN, pattern or password. Follow the on-screen steps.
Depending on your device (especially if you have an older one), you may need to enable encryption as well:
Step 6. From Settings, tap Security, then Encryption, then Encrypt Tablet or Encrypt Phone.
Step 7. Enter the PIN or password you created earlier. Check that the device is connected to power (plugged in).
Step 8. Tap the final confirmation: Encrypt Tablet or Encrypt Phone. The encryption process may take up to an hour.
Other Device Types
For information and assistance with encrypting any other device type or an ECU-purchased mobile device, please refer to Device Encryption Service Request.
*If none of these instructions is applicable to your personal device, visit the manufacturer's website for passcode setup and encryption instructions.