# Sentinel LDK Data Protection Utility Prerequisites

In order to use the Data Protection utility, you must have the following elements available:

>You must have a saved Sentinel LDK Envelope project that contains one or more programs with Data Protection enabled and with defined data filters.

>Ensure that for all the programs that will access the encrypted files, the value specified in Sentinel LDK Envelope for the field Encryption key for data files is the same.

>Sentinel key: Ensure that one of the following is available on the machine:

•A Sentinel Master key or Developer key with the appropriate Vendor Code.

•A Sentinel protection key (HL or SL) with the appropriate Vendor Code.

The Vendor Code must be the same Vendor Code that was selected for the project in Sentinel LDK Envelope.

While encryption and decryption of data is performed in the protected device driver, the Sentinel key generates the encryption key. This method ensures maximum protection while maintaining the high performance that is required when large volumes of data are decrypted. The programs that are included in the project will be displayed in the Program selection list.

### Related Topics

Encrypting Data