Why Encrypt Your Folders?
Encrypting a folder is the best way to prevent access to it by unauthorized people.
Encrypting folders separately isnt something Linux can do by itself, youll have to use third-party software.
This is where VeraCrypt comes in.
What Is VeraCrypt?
VeraCrypt is a free, open-source encryption tool thats used by amateurs and professionals alike.
Its very easy to use and will run on Linux as well as Windows.
For example, we also used it toencrypt a Windows system drive.
There are otherTrueCrypt alternativeout there besides VeraCrypt.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
For that, go to theVeraCrypt download pageand pick the right package for your distro.
For most distros, you’re able to choose between a console version or a GUI.
Im using the graphical version for my Mint install.
Start the program, and youll come to the VeraCrypt interface.
Theres a lot going on here, so lets go over some basics.
Any encrypted folder you create will be a separate volume.
You create them by clicking on Create volume below the main window, to the left.
To encrypt a folder, you want to Create an encrypted file container, which is selected by default.
Next, you get the choice to create a standard or hidden volume.
For our purposes, standard (the default) is just fine.
If youre interested in some extra security, check out VeraCrypts explanation linked in the wizard.
Now it’s crucial that you create a file that will become your encrypted volume.
Just use the navigator to pick the folder where you want the container to live.
For purposes of this article I made the name very obvious, but I recommend you be more circumspect.
AES is a solid encryption protocol, and the hash algorithm is secure, as well.
Next up, you set the size for the new volume.
Now comes the part that can be tricky, namely setting a password.
I recommend you use our tips tocreate a strong passwordand then use apassword managerto save it.
Then youll have to choose thefile systemthe volume is in.
If youre not sure what that means, stick with the default (FAT).
Next is an odd, but cool, quirk of VeraCrypt.
confirm you only shake it inside the window.
Once youve filled the bar in the center up, select format at the bottom.
Acknowledge the message, then go to your file system, to where you created the volume.
initiate the file and youll be prompted to select a program to do so.
Pick VeraCrypt, enter the password you created, and then your Linux systems admin password.
VeraCrypt will do some work in the background, and then initiate the folder.
you’ve got the option to now move files between windows like you would any other file.
Thats all there is to encrypting files on Linux with VeraCrypt.
That seems like a small price to pay for security, though.
