What is Enhanced Storage?
There are different types of storage devices, such as USB flash drives or external hard drives. Some have no particular security enhancements, while others have built-in safety features. Enhanced Storage devices have built-in safety features that let you control who can access the data on the device by using a password or a certificate (if the device is being used in a workplace). Once someone has access to the device, they have access to the data because the data on the device is not encrypted. Some device manufacturers might offer encryption on Enhanced Storage devices. Check the device packaging or documentation to see if the device includes encryption.
An Enhanced Storage device can be an external USB hard drive or a USB flash drive. When you purchase a USB hard drive or flash drive, the packaging might indicate that it's an Enhanced Storage device. For more information about the security of the data on the device, see How secure is the data on an Enhanced Storage device?
The first time that you plug the device into your computer, you'll be prompted to create a password or use a certificate with the device. Once the password is entered or the certificate is retrieved, the data on the device is accessible. It's important to use a strong password to help keep your data secure. For more information about strong passwords, see Tips for creating strong passwords and passphrases.
Recovery password
In addition to the device access password, you can set a recovery password, which you can use to reset the device access password. You can create the recovery password when you create the device access password or by right-clicking the device in the Computer folder, and then selecting Set password.
You can also use the recovery password as an administrator password. Administrators can choose to set a device password for the user of the device, and then use the recovery password as an administrator password. This way, the administrator can unlock the storage device if the person using it forgets their password.
