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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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