Last Call: Update Anti-Virus Software & Enable FileVault on Your Agency Computer by Jan. 31

In an ongoing effort to keep our agency software up-to-date, an updated version of Symantec Anti-Virus software will be available this week to install on agency computers. As part of this process, we’re also enabling FileVault encryption on your computer if it’s not already enabled. 

Beginning Jan. 14, 2019, the update for Symantec Anti-Virus will be available via Self Service on all agency computers needing the update. You may install this update at your convenience during a 17-day window. If you haven’t performed the update by Jan. 31, the update will be applied to your computer automatically. It is important that you perform this update to ensure it’s not automatically applied at an inopportune time. 

To install this update, follow the instructions below: 

•  Locate and open the Self Service app. You will find it in the Applications folder, or you may have a shortcut on your Dock.
 
•  Click the "Utilities" category on the left-hand side of Self Service and locate the Symantec Endpoint Protection 14.2.1031.0100 policy. If your computer needs to have FileVault enabled, you will see a policy called Symantec Endpoint Protection 14.2.1031.0100 & Enable FileVault. 
• Click the Install button and read the brief description. Then click the Install button to start the installation process.
 
•  A message will appear when Symantec Endpoint Protection 14.2.1031.0100 has been installed, reminding you your computer will need to be restarted. If your computer needs FileVault enabled, the message will mention FileVault was enabled. Your computer will restart 1 minute after you click the OK button. On startup, you may see the following message: “Your administrator requires that you enable FileVault.” Click the Enable Now button to proceed with the encryption. 

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Mike Permann or Marquis Jones. 

Q & A 
Q: Why doesn't my Symantec Endpoint Protection policy include enabling FileVault? 
A: You will not get the enable FileVault encryption if you have an iMac or if your computer already has FileVault enabled. We are not currently encrypting the storage on iMacs, and some newer computers had FileVault enabled as part of the setup process. 

Q: I don't have an iMac and my Symantec Endpoint Protection policy doesn’t include enabling FileVault. What should I do? 
A: Your computer may already have FileVault encryption enabled. To check whether it's already enabled, go to the Apple Menu and choose System Preferences and click on Security & Privacy. Click the FileVault tab, and it should indicate whether FileVault is turned on. It should say "FileVault is turned on for the disk 'Macintosh HD.'" if it's enabled. If yours doesn't say that, contact the Internal Technology Department for assistance. 

Q: After enabling FileVault, I received a notification about my Time Machine backup drive not being encrypted when I did a backup. Is there anything I need to do about that? 
A: This notification is expected and should not alarm you. Just click the Close button to dismiss the notification. Q: While the encryption process is active, you will be unable to perform Time Machine backups. A: The encryption process requires your computer to be powered on and connected to power. Due to this requirement, the process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days depending on your usage patterns and storage. The process will pause when disconnected from your charger and resume once connected again. It may be beneficial to allow your computer to remain powered on and plugged in overnight to aid this process.