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Full Disk Encryption

What is Full Disk Encryption?

A security measure that encrypts all data on a storage device, including the operating system, so that data is inaccessible without proper authentication.

Information Security

Terms that appear alongside full disk encryption

Each of these is named in at least one of the same controls as full disk encryption. The number is how many controls name both.

Frameworks that govern full disk encryption

ISO 27001:2022View framework →NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5View framework →

What the standards actually require on full disk encryption

Requirements naming full disk encryption across 6 standards, quoted from the control text.

New Zealand Information Security Manual (NZISM)3 controls

Devices holding certificates for wireless network access should protect those certificates by using full disk encryption.

new-zealand-information-security-manual-nzism::18.2.11.C.05 · 18.2.11.C.05 Full disk encryption protecting stored device certificates →
Australian Energy Sector Cyber Security Framework (AESCSF)1 control

The architecture protects data stored on assets that could be lost or stolen, for example with full disk encryption or remote wipe, based on data categories.

australian-energy-sector-cyber-security-framework-aescsf::ARCHITECTURE-5g · ARCHITECTURE-5g: Protection for data on assets that may be lost or stolen →
Australian Information Security Manual1 control

Full disk encryption, or partial encryption where access controls will only allow writing to the encrypted partition, is implemented when encrypting data at rest.

ISM-0459 · Full disk or partial encryption at rest →
ISO 27002:20221 control

Before equipment containing storage media is disposed of or reused, it is to be checked to confirm that sensitive data and licensed software have been removed or securely overwritten.

iso-27002-2022::7.14 · Secure disposal or re-use of equipment →
ITU-T X.805 - Security Architecture for End-to-End Communications1 control

Security Dimensions 4 and 5 per X.805 Clauses 6.4 and 6.5 are closely related: (1) Data Confidentiality (Dim 4) protects data from unauthorized disclosure - so that anyone without authorization is unable to make sense of the content.

X805-Dim4-5-Data-Confidentiality-Communication-Security-Encryption-Information-Flow-Protection · ITU-T X.805 Security Dimensions 4-5 - Data Confidentiality + Communication Security + Encryption At-Rest + In-Transit + In-Use + Information Flow Protection + Steered Communication + Anti-Tap + Anti-Eavesdrop + Post-Quantum Cryptography →
NERC CIP1 control

Mitigate the risk of unauthorized use of entity-managed Transient Cyber Assets by restricting physical access, full-disk encryption with authentication, multi-factor authentication or another method.

nerc-cip::CIP-010 R4 Att1 1.5 · CIP-010-4 R4 Att1 1.5: Transient Cyber Assets managed by the entity: unauthorized use mitigation →

Questions people ask about full disk encryption

What is Full Disk Encryption?
A security measure that encrypts all data on a storage device, including the operating system, so that data is inaccessible without proper authentication.
Why is Full Disk Encryption important for compliance?
Full Disk Encryption is a key concept in Information Security. Understanding full disk encryption helps organizations meet regulatory requirements, reduce risk, and demonstrate due diligence during audits. Our compliance platform maps 1,016 frameworks with 316K cross-framework control mappings.
Which compliance frameworks address Full Disk Encryption?
Full Disk Encryption appears in the requirement text of New Zealand Information Security Manual (NZISM), Australian Energy Sector Cyber Security Framework (AESCSF), Australian Information Security Manual, ISO 27002:2022, ITU-T X.805 - Security Architecture for End-to-End Communications. Across these standards we have identified 8 controls that name it directly, each linked to the control text on the compliance platform.
Where can I learn more about Full Disk Encryption?
Explore our compliance framework pages to see how full disk encryption applies across different standards and regulations. Our implementation guides provide step-by-step guidance, and the compliance platform offers AI-powered analysis of how this concept maps across 1,016 frameworks.

See how Full Disk Encryption applies across compliance frameworks

Our platform maps 1,016 frameworks with 316K cross-framework control mappings. Explore how this concept is addressed across standards.

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Written and maintained by Gerard Blokdyk, The Art of Service.