How to access encrypted data on CD/DVD drives using the Symantec Endpoint Encryption RemovableMediaAccessUtility

Products

• Endpoint Encryption

Issue/Introduction

 

Resolution

Symantec Endpoint Encryption Removable Media Encryption (SEE RME) can encrypt data that resides on removable media, such as USB drives, CD\DVD\Bluray disks etc.  Once the data on this media is encrypted, it is necessary to enter a password to be able to read the contents.  The SEE RME RemovableMediaAccessUtility application (available for both Windows and Mac) allows for anyone who has the correct password to access the data without installing any additional software.

This article will go over the steps needed to be able to decrypt and access the data encrypted using the RemovableMediaAccessUtility application that is on a CD\DVD or Bluray disk.

Windows Application: RemovableMediaAccessUtility.exe
macOS Application - RemovableMediaAccessUtility.dmg

Note: If security software is installed, the SEE RME RemovableMediaAccessUtility application may not be accessible until they are added to a security exclusion list.  If opening these two files is a problem due to this reason, contact your administrator to allow these access utilities to be used.

Normally data on disks is accessed directly by double-clicking them in Windows Explorer, however, because the data is encrypted, we will be using the SEE RME RemovableMediaAccessUtility to first decrypt the data.  The application is going to be stored on the same media where the encrypted contents reside--if the encrypted data is on a USB drive, look on that drive for the application.  If it's on a DVD or Bluray disk, look for the application on the DVD or Bluray disk.

In this example, we'll be using a DVD drive.  In order to access the encrypted data on the DVD drive, open the Windows Explorer so you can see the drive where the DVD resides. 

TIP: On Windows 10, click the Windows icon, and type "File Explorer"

Once Windows Explorer opens, on the left side, you will see a drive letter.  In the example below, the DVD drive is "D:", however, on your system it could be a different drive letter.  Look on the DVD drive for the RemovableMediaAccessUtility--this is what we will use to decrypt the encrypted content on the DVD drive: 

Double-click the RemovableMediaAccessUtility, this will open a Window where you will be able to browse to the files you want to decrypt. 

In this example, the encrypted file is called "Epic Device Naming Standards.pdf" (notice the yellow lock icon now, indicating the file is encrypted).

Double-click this file:

After double-clicking the file, you will be prompted to enter a password.  Enter the password here to decrypt:

Once the correct password is entered, the file will open, and you can then save the decrypted file to work on.

Note: In order to to encrypt data the Symantec Endpoint Encryption Removable Media Encryption must be installed.

The SEE RME RemovableMediaAccessUtility is used only to decrypt files that have been encrypted through SEE RME. The RemovableMediaAccessUtility will not re-encrypt files or decrypt files encrypted through other methods.