Tag Archives: encryption

Backup, re-install Ubuntu with full disk encryption, and restore all files and settings

When doing serious work like surfing the internet, writing, or programming, I like to do so from a single user interface regardless of whether I’m at work or home. Currently, this takes the form of a Linux laptop (Ubuntu) due to portability (laptop), power (Linux/Ubuntu), and the availability of a keyboard and touchpad (fast input). read more »

Remote unlocking LUKS encrypted LVM using Dropbear SSH in Ubuntu

I recently performed a full disk encryption on my server using dm-crypt + LUKS. I did not address remote unlocking of the disk then because I did not know how. Remote unlocking is highly desirable I might not be physically near the server when a restart is necessary. To remotely unlock the disk, one needs read more »

Strong (long) passwords

REMINDER: PASSHPHRASE SHOULD BE 24+ (42+) CHARACTERS LONG TO BE [EQUIVALENT](https://help.ubuntu.com/community/EncryptedFilesystemHowto#I_want_to_use_a_passphrase._How_long_does_it_need_to_be.3F) TO A 128 (256) BIT KEY. [This](http://xkcd.com/936/) xkcd comic brought forth a lot of discussion on the internet regarding how to choose your password. What I took away from it: it’s better to have really long passwords than to have short, complicated passwords. [This](http://chetansurpur.com/blog/2011/8/tiered-passwords.html) read more »

Full disk encryption on Ubuntu with dm-crypt + luks

REMINDER: PASSHPHRASE SHOULD BE 42+ CHARACTERS LONG TO BE [EQUIVALENT](https://help.ubuntu.com/community/EncryptedFilesystemHowto#I_want_to_use_a_passphrase._How_long_does_it_need_to_be.3F) TO A 256 BIT KEY. In this post, I will outline my experience doing a full disk encryption on an Ubuntu computer. Note that this option is available through the installer only on the server edition or the alternate CD of ubuntu (not desktop). Why read more »

Encrypt hard drives and usb drives with dm-crypt and TrueCrypt

REMINDER: PASSHPHRASE SHOULD BE 42+ CHARACTERS LONG TO BE [EQUIVALENT](https://help.ubuntu.com/community/EncryptedFilesystemHowto#I_want_to_use_a_passphrase._How_long_does_it_need_to_be.3F) TO A 256 BIT KEY. I recently explored encrypting usb drives and external hard drives (well, any hard drive really). I always wanted to lock all of my hard drives just to feel more secure about my files, but never got around to learning how read more »

SSH-encrypted proxy for Android or when connected to a public wifi

[This](http://lifehacker.com/237227/geek-to-live–encrypt-your-web-browsing-session-with-an-ssh-socks-proxy) post describes how one can set up an ssh-encrypted proxy for browsing the web when connected to a public wifi. [This](http://lifehacker.com/5803880/how-to-encrypt-all-internet-use-on-your-android-phone) post describes how to do so with an Android device. The gist is to have your proxy server request all internet contents, and pass over the information to you over an encrypted ssh read more »