Symantec FileShare Encryption (SEMS) - Client Installation

Owned by Gerry, Nate (admin) (Unlicensed)
Last updated: Aug 03, 2023 by Steven Gjerdingen
3 min read

This article explains the necessary post-configuration steps needed to get setup to use the Symantec Encryption software that I.T. has begun using. The Symantec Encryption application can be installed remotely by the I.T. department. Please note that this install does require a reboot. After the install is complete, you can open/setup the program by doing the following:


Installation

Installing this software requires a REBOOT! Please close out of all programs before doing this.


  1. Find the program by right-clicking on the purple shield icon in the system tray (you may need to click the up arrow to the right of the weather report in order to see it),
  2. Choose the option to open the 'self service portal':
  3. Scroll down to the Symantec File Share Encryption in the software list window that opens.  Click the install button on the right:
  4. When install is completed, you should reboot your computer.  

Initial Setup Prompts

  1. Click the Start button and choose: > All programs > Symantec Encryption > Symantec Encryption Desktop.  Open the program.
  2. You should see a screen pop up asking you about accepting the Symantec certificate. Choose "always allow"


  3. Enter your UNW account username and password as requested and click OK


  4. If prompted for entering a passphrase of the 'private key' after the username prompt, click 'cancel'


  5. If prompted again to create a new passphrase, leave the fields blank, and click 'Next'.


  6. Click Finish when the setup is completed.
  7. After you've entered your credentials in the initial setup, you should now be able to browse to the network share that you are trying to access.

How to use

  1. Anytime you open an encrypted folder after first logging in, you should see a notification in your tray telling you that the store has been unlocked.


  2. In addition to that, you'll know that the folder you are accessing is encrypted and being accessed properly from your system if you see the blue padlock on the files you are trying to access.


  3. You can also determine which encrypted folders you have access to by opening the "Symantec Encryption Desktop" software in your start menu.


  4. The folders that are encrypted and the security group(s) that have access to them should be listed under the "File Share Encryption" tab.