Adding encryption to laptop

[cmnorton]

Already passed, new tough data security laws are about to be enacted in Massachusetts. I need to add encryption to my LTS Kubuntu 8.04 system.

What is the best way to do that?

Kubuntu is installed on a Thinkpad T61p.

[tubbygweilo]

cmn,
would it be possible to post a link to the new laws as encryption may not be the only thing you have to consider?

[cmnorton]

http://www.cmr17.com/

[HermanAB]

You should use LUKS of course. It is actually quite simple to use LUKS to encrypt a drive. Just read these man pages:
man cryptsetup
man luks-tools
man crypttab
man fstab

You could also look at my recent wizards - read the Perl code to see some tricks:
http://aeronetworks.ca/luks-usb-howto.html

[shaggy999]

To be honest, the best way to setup encryption is to start from scratch and install your OS using the alternate CD.

[bodhi.zazen]

You should use LUKS of course. It is actually quite simple to use LUKS to encrypt a drive. Just read these man pages:
man cryptsetup
man luks-tools
man crypttab
man fstab

You could also look at my recent wizards - read the Perl code to see some tricks:
http://aeronetworks.ca/luks-usb-howto.html

+1

To be honest, the best way to setup encryption is to start from scratch and install your OS using the alternate CD.

That is a broad statement and there are several options for encryption post install including Truecrypt, LUKS, ecryptsfs, etc, etc. You can encrypt swap post install if you wish.

I also agree that a fresh install has advantages as well.