![]() Conversion between both versions of LUKS is possible in certain situations, but some features may not be available with LUKS1. There are two versions of LUKS, with LUKS2 having features such as greater resistance to header corruption, and the use of Argon2 encryption algorithm by default (LUKS1 uses PBKDF2). It is worth a reminder, however, that if the header is lost or corrupted, the device will no longer be decryptable. The existence of this header is a major difference between LUKS and dm-crypt, since the header allows multiple different passphrases to be used, with the ability to change and remove them easily. There is an unencrypted header at the beginning of an encrypted volume, which allows up to 8 (LUKS1) or 32 (LUKS2) encryption keys to be stored along with encryption parameters such as cipher type and key size. LUKS schematic | Image credit: SUSE WIKIĪny filesystem can be encrypted, including the swap partition. LUKS also offers multiple encryption algorithms, several modes of encryption, and several hash functions - a little over 40 possible combinations. Encrypted containers feature the same level of protection as LUKS full-disk encryption. LUKS can also be used to create and run encrypted containers. ![]() LUKS is also a popular encryption format in Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices. It is a well-known, secure, and high-performance disk encryption method based on an enhanced version of cryptsetup, using dm-crypt as the disk encryption backend. Linux Unified Key Setup - LUKS is a disk encryption specification created by Clemens Fruhwirth in 2004 and was originally intended for Linux. A container, then, is a file that acts as a virtual encrypted volume. The difference is that a container is a file that can be stored on an unencrypted partition, while an encrypted partition is a portion of a disk that has been encrypted as a whole. It can be used to store encrypted data, just like an encrypted partition. The next definition can be tricky to a newcomer, but it's worth knowing about, especially when dealing with LUKS it's quite handy.Ĭontainer: A container is a special file that acts like a virtual encrypted volume. Header: The header is a special area at the beginning of an encrypted volume that contains information about the encryption, such as the encryption algorithm used and the encryption keys. It is often expressed in bits, such as 128-bit encryption or 256-bit encryption. Key size: The key size is a measure of the strength of an encryption algorithm: the larger the key size, the stronger the encryption. Parameters might include the encryption algorithm used, the key size, and other details about how the encryption should be performed.Ĭipher type: A cipher is a mathematical algorithm used for encryption It refers to the specific encryption algorithm that is being used to protect the data on an encrypted volume. Parameters: Parameters are settings that control how an encryption algorithm works. In the context of disk encryption, a volume refers to a portion of a disk that has been encrypted to protect its contents. Volume: A volume is a logical storage area that can be used to store data. ![]() There is a lot to LUKS so it will help to break things down, especially if you're beginning to look into this. Technical jargonsīefore going further, some terms should be defined. Wondering what is LUKS? I'll brief you on the topic. On Linux, LUKS is the most popular way of employing disk encryption. These days, new Windows-powered systems come with BitLocker encryption by default. If your laptop is ever lost or stolen, encryption protects the data on the disk. Protect you from potential liability issuesĭisk encryption software prevents a desktop hard disk drive, a portable USB storage device, or laptop, from accessing unless the user inputs the correct authentication data.If you have sensitive client data on your machine (you might be running a business) or material deemed intellectual property or you are privacy cautious, you may want to consider disk encryption. Other users may use extra protection through encryption in various ways like using VPN and disk encryption. Some users use a simple username/password login scheme for basic protection. Computer security methods are designed to keep private things, well, private.
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