This makes a world of difference. I know many people may know of it but may not actually do it. It Protects your files in case your computer is ever stolen and prevents alphabet agencies from just brute forcing into your Laptop or whatever.
I found that Limine (bootloader) has the fastest decryption when paired with LUKS at least for my laptop.
If your computer isn’t encrypted I could make a live USB of a distro, plug it into your computer, boot, and view your files on your hard drive. Completely bypassing your Login manager. If your computer is encrypted I could not. Use a strong password and different from your login
Benefits of Using LUKS with GRUB Enhanced Security
- Data Protection: LUKS (Linux Unified Key Setup) encrypts disk partitions, ensuring that data remains secure even if the physical device is stolen.
- Full Disk Encryption: It can encrypt the entire disk, including sensitive files and swap space, preventing unauthorized access to confidential information.
Compatibility with GRUB
- Unlocking from Bootloader: GRUB can unlock LUKS-encrypted partitions using the cryptomount command, allowing the system to boot securely without exposing sensitive data.
- Support for LVM: When combined with Logical Volume Management (LVM), LUKS allows for flexible partition management while maintaining encryption.
Setting up full-disk encryption on a Steam Deck with an on-screen keyboard should definitely be an option during SteamOS installation, but it’s a pain as it stands. It’s my only Linux device not using LUKS.
That’s one of the reasons why I installed OpenSUSE Tumbleweed on my Deck. I used unl0kr to put in my passphrase on boot. Unfortunately OpenSUSE removed the framebuffer device and the DRM backend doesn’t work correctly at the moment.
Pointless for gaming devices, nothing to hide on them, there will also be a small overhead for nothing.
your gaming account may be able to do some damage
I use mine as a computer often. When I travel it stores notes, has my email accounts, and is a productive tool.
So yeah I would like to encrypt it. As it is I use vaults and back up encrypted to my own cloud. But it would be nice to simply do the whole thing.
Ok fair. But most of those tools are cloud based? Then wouldnt have to worry about an overhead lr encryption when the drive fails.
Encryption really is not much overhead with a modern processor.
I do believe the steam deck uses a modern processor with hardware cryptology.
1-3% overhead, last i check couple years ago. No clue now.
Correct, nothing to hide because nobody gets their games from the high seas.