ECryptfs
eCryptfs is an encrypted filesystem for Linux that uses encryption to protect files stored on disk. It works by encrypting files at the filesystem level, allowing users to encrypt directories or mountpoints.
encryption
filesystem
linux
eCryptfs: Linux Encrypted Filesystems
eCryptfs is an encrypted filesystem for Linux that uses encryption to protect files stored on disk. It works by encrypting files at the filesystem level, allowing users to encrypt directories or mountpoints.
What is ECryptfs?
eCryptfs is an open source stacked cryptographic filesystem for Linux that uses encryption to protect confidential data stored on disk. It works by encrypting files at the filesystem level rather than the block device level. This allows users to encrypt specific directories or mountpoints containing sensitive data.
Some key features of eCryptfs include:
- Filesystem-level encryption using Linux kernel cryptography
- Crypto key management to control access to encrypted data
- Encrypted filenames and file contents
- Transparent encryption and decryption of files as they are read and written
- Portability across Linux distributions
- Integration with Linux authorization mechanisms like PAM
By only encrypting select directories, eCryptfs minimizes performance impacts compared to full disk encryption solutions. It provides a flexible way for Linux users, especially enterprises, to securely store sensitive data in an encrypted form without major system architecture changes.
ECryptfs Features
Features
- Encrypts files at the filesystem level
- Uses a stacked filesystem to encrypt and decrypt data on the fly
- Supports per-file encryption keys
- Integrates with Linux filesystem permissions
- Uses AES, Blowfish, Serpent or Twofish encryption algorithms
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Provides transparent encryption for files
Easy to use and configure
Little performance overhead
Encrypts filenames and metadata
Open source and included with Linux kernel
Cons
Only available on Linux
No control over encryption beyond default settings
Encrypted data is lost if key is lost
Limited documentation and support resources
Official Links
The Best ECryptfs Alternatives
Top Security & Privacy and Encryption and other similar apps like ECryptfs
Here are some alternatives to ECryptfs:
Suggest an alternative ❐
Windows BitLocker
Windows BitLocker is a full-disk encryption feature included in certain editions of Windows Vista and later Windows operating systems. It helps protect data by encrypting the entire Windows volume. Once enabled, BitLocker encrypts the entire drive that Windows is installed on, including the system and data partitions.BitLocker uses AES encryption...
TrueCrypt
TrueCrypt is a discontinued source-available freeware utility used for on-the-fly encryption (OTFE). It can create a virtual encrypted disk within a file or encrypt a partition or an entire hard drive. First released in 2004, TrueCrypt was initially based on Encrypting File System (EFS) code in Windows 2000, but completely...
LUKS
LUKS (Linux Unified Key Setup) is a disk encryption specification for Linux operating systems. It provides a standardized way for Linux users to encrypt partitions, removable media, and file containers.Some key features of LUKS include:Strong AES encryption (256-bit by default)Password protected key slots - up to 8 slots allowing multiple...
AES Crypt
AES Crypt is a free, open-source, and cross-platform encryption software that uses the industry-standard Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to securely encrypt files. It has an intuitive graphical user interface that allows users to easily encrypt their files by selecting them, choosing a password, and clicking encrypt.Some key features of AES...
FileVault
FileVault is full disk encryption software included in Apple's macOS operating system. When enabled, it encrypts all data stored on the Mac's startup drive, protecting it in case the Mac is lost or stolen.With FileVault enabled, macOS automatically encrypts information before writing it to the startup drive. When accessing encrypted...
Gnome Encfs Manager
Gnome Encfs Manager is an open source encryption application designed for the Linux operating system. It provides a user-friendly graphical interface to create and manage encrypted folders using the Encfs encryption system.Encfs uses the FUSE kernel module, which allows you to create encrypted filesystems that act just like normal folders....
SiriKali
SiriKali is an open-source application that provides a graphical user interface and unified access to various filesystem encryption tools on Linux, including encFS, cryfs, gocryptfs, and securefs. It aims to make encryption easy and approachable for regular users.Some key features of SiriKali include:Intuitive graphical interface to create, mount, unmount, and...
DiskCryptor
DiskCryptor is an open-source disk encryption software for Windows. It provides multiple encryption options for securing sensitive data on hard drives or external storage devices.Some key features of DiskCryptor include:Full disk encryption - encrypts the entire hard drive, including the system partition and boot loaderPartial disk encryption - encrypts only...
EDS (Encrypted Data Store)
EDS (Encrypted Data Store) is an open-source software application designed for securely storing sensitive personal data or files. It utilizes client-side encryption to protect user data before uploading it to storage.Some key features of EDS include:Open-source codebase that can be self-hosted for additional security and privacyClient-side AES-256 encryption of all...
SafeHouse Explorer
SafeHouse Explorer is an advanced open source digital forensics platform used by security professionals to thoroughly investigate digital evidence from computers, mobile devices, networks, and cloud sources. It provides powerful analysis, parsing, and reporting capabilities to uncover artifacts that may be indicative of malicious activity or policy violations.Some key features...
FreeOTFE
FreeOTFE is a free and open-source disk encryption software for Microsoft Windows. It can encrypt whole disks/partitions as well as create virtual encrypted disks to protect sensitive data.Some key features of FreeOTFE include:Disk encryption using algorithms like AES, Twofish, Serpent, Camellia, MARS etc.Creates encrypted container files that can be mounted...
Kruptos
Kruptos is a free, open-source password manager and encrypted virtual vault software. It enables users to securely store passwords, credit card numbers, identities, and other sensitive information in an encrypted vault that is locked with a master password.Some key features of Kruptos include:Industry-standard AES-256 bit encryption to secure user dataCross-platform...
Luks manager
Luks manager is an open-source, cross-platform encryption software designed specifically for the Linux operating system. It provides a simple graphical user interface to manage encrypted volumes and partitions utilizing the Linux Unified Key Setup (Luks) encryption standard.Some of the key features of Luks manager include:Intuitive graphical interface to manage Luks...
Steganos Safe
Steganos Safe is a commercial encryption software developed by Steganos Software GmbH. It provides users with a virtual safe that encrypts files, folders, and drives for secure storage and transfer of sensitive data.It utilizes 256-bit AES encryption, considered one of the strongest encryption algorithms available, to safeguard files from unauthorized...
Zed!
Zed! is an open-source text editor for Linux, macOS and Windows designed for programmers. It provides syntax highlighting and auto-completion for many programming languages, including C/C++, Python, PHP, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and more. Some key features include:Fast and lightweight editor with minimalist interface for easy navigationSupport for common programming languages with...
LibreCrypt
LibreCrypt is an open-source and cross-platform disk encryption utility that allows users to encrypt files, folders, partitions or entire drives. It can help protect sensitive personal data from unauthorized access.Some key features of LibreCrypt include:Open-source code that can be audited and verified by security researchersUses strong AES-256 and Twofish encryption...
CryFS
CryFS is an open-source encrypted file system for the cloud. It provides client-side encryption that allows you to store encrypted files in any cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc. This ensures the cloud storage provider has no access to your unencrypted data.Here's how it works: CryFS creates...
Symantec Drive Encryption
Symantec Drive Encryption is a comprehensive full disk encryption solution aimed at protecting data on hard drives, SSDs, removable media, and mobile devices. It leverages advanced encryption algorithms such as AES-256 and RSA-2048 to prevent unauthorized access and provide a last line of defense for data in case devices get...
WinGuard Pro
WinGuard Pro is a comprehensive security and privacy solution designed to protect Windows PCs against all types of threats. It combines essential security technologies like antivirus, anti-spyware, firewall, and more into a single easy-to-use application.Key features of WinGuard Pro include:Real-time protection against malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and other threats using...
SecretVaultpro
SecretVaultpro is an open-source, self-hosted password manager and credentials vault. It provides a secure and convenient way to store all your passwords, sensitive documents, credentials, and other confidential information in one place.Using strong encryption and your master password, SecretVaultpro encrypts your vault data so that only you can access it....
Quick File Locker
Quick File Locker is a free file encryption software for Windows that allows users to easily lock files and folders with a password. It uses strong 256-bit AES encryption to securely protect documents, photos, videos, and other sensitive files from unauthorized access.Some key features of Quick File Locker include:Drag-and-drop interface...
TruPax
TruPax is an open-source, self-hosted password manager developed by TruPax LLC. It provides a secure vault for storing passwords, login credentials, sensitive documents, and other confidential information.Some key features of TruPax include:Secure encrypted storage using AES-256 encryptionRole-based access control for teamsFlexible sharing options to securely share credentialsBrowser extensions, mobile apps,...
GostCrypt
GostCrypt is a free, open-source encryption software that enables users to securely encrypt their files, disks, removable media, and text messages. It utilizes the GOST encryption algorithms originally developed in Russia as an alternative to common standards like AES and RSA.Some key features of GostCrypt include:Provides both symmetric and asymmetric...
RealCrypt
RealCrypt is an open-source, cross-platform encryption software that allows users to securely encrypt files and text to protect sensitive data. It utilizes the industry-standard AES-256 bit encryption algorithm to provide a high level of security.Some key features of RealCrypt include:Securely encrypt unlimited files and text with AES-256 bit encryptionCreate encrypted...
Advanced File Security Basic
Advanced File Security Basic is an easy-to-use software solution that provides essential protection and control capabilities for your files and folders. With Advanced File Security Basic, you can:Lock down sensitive files and folders to prevent unauthorized accessSet detailed access permissions on who can view, edit, delete, etc.Get alerts and reports...
Luksus
Luksus is an open-source, self-hosted web bookmarking application written in PHP. It allows users to save, organize, search, and share web bookmarks from their browser. Some key features of Luksus include:Simple and clean interface focused on usabilityTag-based organization and searching of bookmarksImport/export bookmarks with standard formatsMaking bookmarks public or privateRSS...
Cryptonite
Cryptonite is an open-source, cross-platform password manager and generator developed by SecureSoft Inc. At its core, Cryptonite allows users to securely store passwords, credit card numbers, browsing histories, or any other sensitive information encrypted on their device using AES-256 encryption. The encryption keys are derived from a master password set...
R-Crypto
R-Crypto is an open-source cryptographic toolkit written purely in R that allows cryptographic and hashing operations to be performed within the R programming language. It aims to provide easy-to-use interfaces to various symmetric, asymmetric, and hashing algorithms.Some of the key features of R-Crypto include:Implementation of algorithms like AES, DES, RSA,...
ProxyCrypt
ProxyCrypt is a free, open-source proxy software designed to provide enhanced privacy and security when browsing the internet. It works by routing the user's traffic through an encrypted tunnel to hide their real IP address and location.Some key features of ProxyCrypt include:Encryption of all traffic using industry-standard protocols like AES...
