Data encryption with SiriKali
Hardened Choice
SiriKali encrypts files and directories with just a few mouse clicks, without the inefficiency of fixed-size containers.
Many Linux users are wary of encrypting their data – primarily because most of the available tools don't offer a graphical user interface, and also – but less often – because of a perceived lack of flexibility in handling encrypted data files. But in the modern era, when high-capacity USB media are easy to find, encryption is becoming more important. Tools such as TrueCrypt or its successor VeraCrypt have a graphical user interface but create containers of a fixed size, without the flexibility to deal with growing volumes. If you store only a few files, you are wasting storage space with a big container. On the other hand, if you create a container that is too small, running out of space will mean a time-consuming overhaul.
SiriKali [1] is an encryption tool that avoids fixed sizes for containers. By encrypting at the directory and file level, you only use as much storage space as the data actually takes up. SiriKali relies on various encryption back ends, with support for fscrypt, SecureFS, eCryptFS, CryFS, EncFS, gocryptfs, and SSHFS. (If you're considering EncFS, keep in mind that security vulnerabilities were discovered in an audit in 2014.)
In SiriKali, you deploy encrypted filesystems in user space – with the help of the FUSE kernel module, which means that you can work with the tools without needing admin privileges. SiriKali recognizes the back ends installed in the system and lets you use them without having to enter any parameters.
[...]
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
-
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.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.