File encryption with EncFS
Command Line – EncFS
© Lead Image © Marvin Ristau de, Fotolia.com
EncFS is an easy and effective CLI application for encrypting files that also allows for customization.
Linux has no shortages of solutions for file encryption. First released in 2001, EncFS [1] is one of the oldest solutions but remains one of the easiest to set up and use. It uses two directories: an unencrypted directory for dropping files into, and an encrypted directory that automatically creates encrypted copies of those files. Any further manipulation of the setup or files is done with the encfsctrl utility [2]. However, some insecure copies of EncFS are still in use, so be careful to get 1.9.5, the latest version, which fixes the vulnerabilities of earlier versions.
EncFS has several other advantages besides its ease of use. One is that because EncFS runs in userspace, using the FUSE libraries [3], ordinary users, not just root, can create its virtual filesystem. Additionally, running in userspace means that an encrypted volume can be administered by existing utilities such as Rsync and fsck. Similarly, standard backup utilities can back up only the EncFS-associated files that have changed.
EncFS can use both removable drives and cloud storage (see below). The volume key that is usually stored in the same directory as the encrypted data can be password protected and stored elsewhere, including on a removable drive or in the cloud for added security. Also, encrypted directories do not have any fixed size, growing as files are added or deleted instead of requiring a fixed space to be allocated. All these features add up to a CLI application that is almost as easy to use as a graphical interface.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
openSUSE Joins End of 10
openSUSE has decided to not only join the End of 10 movement but it also will no longer support the Deepin Desktop Environment.
-
New Version of Flatpak Released
Flatpak 1.16.1 is now available as the latest, stable version with various improvements.
-
IBM Announces Powerhouse Linux Server
IBM has unleashed a seriously powerful Linux server with the LinuxONE Emperor 5.
-
Plasma Ends LTS Releases
The KDE Plasma development team is doing away with the LTS releases for a good reason.
-
Arch Linux Available for Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you've ever wanted to use a rolling release distribution with WSL, now's your chance.
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.