Creating the encrypted root filesystem

Encrypted Root Filesystem HOWTO
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# 2. Creating the encrypted root filesystem

Fill the target partition with random data:

    shred -n 1 -v /dev/hda2

Setup the encrypted loopback device:

    losetup -e aes256 -S xxxxxx /dev/loop0 /dev/hda2

To prevent optimized dictionary attacks, it is recommended to add the -S xxxxxx option, where "xxxxxx" is your randomly chosen seed (for example, you might choose "gPk4lA"). Write down your seed on a piece of paper so that you don't loose it afterwards. Also, in order to avoid boot-time problems with the keyboard map, do not use non-ASCII characters (accents, etc.) in your password. The Diceware site offers a simple way to create strong, yet easy to remember, passphrases.

Now create the ext3 filesystem:

    mke2fs -j /dev/loop0

Check that the password you entered is correct:

    losetup -d /dev/loop0
    losetup -e aes256 -S xxxxxx /dev/loop0 /dev/hda2

    mkdir /mnt/efs
    mount /dev/loop0 /mnt/efs

You can compare the encrypted and unencrypted data:

    xxd /dev/hda2  | less
    xxd /dev/loop0 | less

It's time to install your encrypted Linux system. If you use a GNU/Linux distribution (such as Debian, Slackware, Gentoo, Mandrake, RedHat/Fedora, SuSE, etc.), run the following command:

    cp -avx / /mnt/efs

If you use the Linux From Scratch book, proceed as described in the manual, with the modifications below:

- Chapter 6 - Installing util-linux:

  Apply the loop-AES patch after unpacking the sources.

- Chapter 8 - Making the LFS system bootable:

  Refer to the next section (Setting up the boot device).

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Preparing the system |  | Setting up the boot device