Reading is great. Tracking makes it stick. Sign up for a free Dashboard to tick off tasks and see your Security Score.
Get my free Dashboard →Enable full-disk encryption on your laptop
Turn on BitLocker (Windows) or FileVault (Mac) to encrypt everything on your laptop's hard drive.
Why this matters
If your laptop is lost or stolen, encryption means the thief cannot read your files even if they remove the drive.
How to do it
- Windows: 1. Search for 'Manage BitLocker' in Start
- Click 'Turn on BitLocker' next to your main drive
- Save your recovery key to your Microsoft account or a USB drive
- Choose to encrypt the whole drive
- Mac: 1. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security
- Click 'FileVault' and turn it on
- Store the recovery key safely
Need a more detailed walkthrough?
Our step-by-step guide explains each action in full detail, with confirmation steps and related tasks.
View full step-by-step guide →Cyber Essentials framework
This task falls under the Secure Configcontrol, one of five areas assessed in the UK's Cyber Essentials scheme. Completing it counts toward your Cyber Essentials alignment. Create a free account to track your progress across all five areas.
Track your security score for free
Create a free Cyber Nova AI account to tick off tasks like this one, see your Security Score, and stay on top of what you've done and what's still to do.
Start your free security check