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Follow me and learn Windows Server 2012 – Virtual Smart Cards and Improvement in BitLocker

Almost done, Night 29 of my 30 day quest to learn Windows Server 2012! Tonight I am looking at two features Virtual Smart Cards and BitLocker.   The Virtual Smart Card is going to be a great for me.  I will no longer have to carry my smart card with me to VPN in.   Using the TPM chip in my laptop I am able to have Virtual Smart Card.

These are the new features I learned about in Bitlocker:

  • BitLocker provisioning – Bitlocker can be enabled prior to the Install Windows 8
  • Used Disk Space Only encryption – This make for quicker encryption
  • Standard User PIN and password change – Now a standard user can change their pin, No admin access required
  • Network Unlock – If you are on your corporate network BitLocker will  automatically unlock the system volume during boot, Require PIN off the network but not on it

Here are the links I used to study up on these topics.

What's New in Smart Cards

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh849637.aspx

Virtual smart cards emulate the functionality of traditional smart cards, but use the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip available on many organizations’ computers rather than requiring the use of a separate physical smart card and reader. Virtual smart cards involve technical, functional, security, and cost differences with conventional smart cards.

Understanding and Evaluating Virtual Smart Cards

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=29076

What's New in BitLocker

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831412.aspx

Understand and Troubleshoot BitLocker in Windows Server "8" Beta

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=29032

BitLocker Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831507.aspx

 

Bruce

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