LinuxQuestions.org
Download your favorite Linux distribution at LQ ISO.
Home Forums Tutorials Articles Register
Go Back   LinuxQuestions.org > Forums > Linux Forums > Linux - Security
User Name
Password
Linux - Security This forum is for all security related questions.
Questions, tips, system compromises, firewalls, etc. are all included here.

Notices


Reply
  Search this Thread
Old 07-02-2016, 02:01 AM   #1
hack3rcon
Senior Member
 
Registered: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,432

Rep: Reputation: 11
Post Encrypt partition without format.


Hello.
Can I Encrypt my partition without format it?

Thank you.
 
Old 07-02-2016, 03:26 AM   #2
Michael Uplawski
Senior Member
 
Registered: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,621
Blog Entries: 40

Rep: Reputation: Disabled
You can encrypt the data using any file-encryption software. But this is far less secure as you will not be in total control, nor ever know what was really going on during the process. Not that encrypting a fresh partition will give you more control, but it won't to anything else, neither.

Last edited by Michael Uplawski; 07-02-2016 at 08:41 AM.
 
Old 07-02-2016, 08:47 AM   #3
hack3rcon
Senior Member
 
Registered: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,432

Original Poster
Rep: Reputation: 11
Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Uplawski View Post
You can encrypt the data using any file-encryption software. But this is far less secure as you will not be in total control, nor ever know what was really going on during the process. Not that encrypting a fresh partition will give you more control, but it won't to anything else, neither.
What is your idea?
 
Old 07-02-2016, 04:30 PM   #4
Michael Uplawski
Senior Member
 
Registered: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,621
Blog Entries: 40

Rep: Reputation: Disabled
Quote:
Originally Posted by hack3rcon View Post
What is your idea?
I do not have ideas. I have a little experience, less knowledge and a few opinions.

In your original question you do not specify your actual needs, nor give reasons for your reluctance to format your future encrypted partition. There are many ways to encrypt files and/or directories. GnuPG, OpenSSL or mcrypt can be useful. Other programs work a little different an use encrypted containers.

But as you talk about partitions, chances are, you do not want any of these.
Why do you not just create a new, formatted, empty and encrypted partition and move your files there. I venture that there is already data, that you fear to lose upon formatting the partition in question. You can also move them away for the time of the setup, then return them afterwards.

With my comment on security, I tried to shortcut considerations about hard-disk-design, data-transfer and -removal that lead to the preference of encrypted partitions over file-encryption. One simple argument is the need for a passphrase, each time that a file is encrypted or decrypted, while the encrypted partition will encrypt its content transparently. But there are more.

You find all that on the Web and I cannot know if I explained anything better, this time.
 
1 members found this post helpful.
Old 07-03-2016, 01:11 AM   #5
hack3rcon
Senior Member
 
Registered: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,432

Original Poster
Rep: Reputation: 11
Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Uplawski View Post
I do not have ideas. I have a little experience, less knowledge and a few opinions.

In your original question you do not specify your actual needs, nor give reasons for your reluctance to format your future encrypted partition. There are many ways to encrypt files and/or directories. GnuPG, OpenSSL or mcrypt can be useful. Other programs work a little different an use encrypted containers.

But as you talk about partitions, chances are, you do not want any of these.
Why do you not just create a new, formatted, empty and encrypted partition and move your files there. I venture that there is already data, that you fear to lose upon formatting the partition in question. You can also move them away for the time of the setup, then return them afterwards.

With my comment on security, I tried to shortcut considerations about hard-disk-design, data-transfer and -removal that lead to the preference of encrypted partitions over file-encryption. One simple argument is the need for a passphrase, each time that a file is encrypted or decrypted, while the encrypted partition will encrypt its content transparently. But there are more.

You find all that on the Web and I cannot know if I explained anything better, this time.
Thank you but I just like to know is it possible encrypt a whole partition without format it. I don't like to use a tool like GPG and encrypt all files. I like to Encrypt partition.
 
Old 07-03-2016, 01:36 AM   #6
Michael Uplawski
Senior Member
 
Registered: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,621
Blog Entries: 40

Rep: Reputation: Disabled
Quote:
Originally Posted by hack3rcon View Post
Thank you but I just like to know is it possible encrypt a whole partition without format it.
You can try to do all the steps from the documentation, leave out the call to mkfs, then come back here, and tell us what it does:
https://blmath.wordpress.com/2010/03...ted-partition/

I venture, that you *can* turn an existing partition “into an encrypted” one, but have no idea about the consequences. But existing files will not be protected, just in case.
 
1 members found this post helpful.
Old 07-03-2016, 02:13 AM   #7
hack3rcon
Senior Member
 
Registered: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,432

Original Poster
Rep: Reputation: 11
Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Uplawski View Post
You can try to do all the steps from the documentation, leave out the call to mkfs, then come back here, and tell us what it does:
https://blmath.wordpress.com/2010/03...ted-partition/

I venture, that you *can* turn an existing partition “into an encrypted” one, but have no idea about the consequences. But existing files will not be protected, just in case.
Thank you but I guess it format my HDD
 
Old 07-03-2016, 07:19 AM   #8
rknichols
Senior Member
 
Registered: Aug 2009
Distribution: Rocky Linux
Posts: 4,777

Rep: Reputation: 2212Reputation: 2212Reputation: 2212Reputation: 2212Reputation: 2212Reputation: 2212Reputation: 2212Reputation: 2212Reputation: 2212Reputation: 2212Reputation: 2212
cryptsetup-reencrypt can do that, but it's an exceptionally dangerous operation. Any glitch during the lengthy process can leave the whole filesystem unrecoverable. Read the manpage for details and warnings.
 
  


Reply



Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is Off
HTML code is Off



Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
[SOLVED] SAN volume : Partition & format or direct format rrmavani Linux - Server 1 03-07-2013 02:04 AM
Slackware encrypt partition AkylaQD Slackware 3 10-19-2010 05:58 AM
Encrypt full partition Ammad Linux - General 2 01-10-2010 10:16 PM
Encrypt a partition manjiri Linux - Newbie 4 12-14-2005 07:13 AM
Encrypt a partition with a password ? Coume Linux - Security 1 04-26-2005 03:00 PM

LinuxQuestions.org > Forums > Linux Forums > Linux - Security

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:15 AM.

Main Menu
Advertisement
My LQ
Write for LQ
LinuxQuestions.org is looking for people interested in writing Editorials, Articles, Reviews, and more. If you'd like to contribute content, let us know.
Main Menu
Syndicate
RSS1  Latest Threads
RSS1  LQ News
Twitter: @linuxquestions
Open Source Consulting | Domain Registration