mount.ecryptfs, umount.ecryptfs

mount.ecryptfs and umount.ecryptfs are specific utilities that are part of the ecryptfs-utils package in Linux. These utilities are used for mounting and unmounting directories encrypted with eCryptfs, which is a stacked cryptographic filesystem used to encrypt files and directories at the filesystem level.

mount.ecryptfs

The mount.ecryptfs command is used to mount an eCryptfs-encrypted directory to a specified mount point. It handles the encryption and decryption of files transparently when accessed by users or applications.

Basic Usage

sudo mount.ecryptfs /encrypted/source /mount/point

• /encrypted/source: Path to the eCryptfs-encrypted directory or mount source.

• /mount/point: Directory where the decrypted files will be accessible.

Options and Parameters

• Passphrase Prompt: mount.ecryptfs will prompt for a passphrase unless the passphrase is provided via options.

• Mount Options: Various options can be specified to control aspects of the mounting process, such as encryption cipher, key length, and filesystem options.

umount.ecryptfs

The umount.ecryptfs command is used to unmount an eCryptfs-encrypted directory that was previously mounted using mount.ecryptfs. It ensures that any cached data is written back to the encrypted storage before unmounting.

Basic Usage

sudo umount.ecryptfs /mount/point

• /mount/point: Directory that was previously mounted using mount.ecryptfs.

Additional Features

• Force Unmount: Use -f or --force option to forcibly unmount the directory, ignoring any active processes or file locks.

• Verbose Output: Use -v or --verbose option to display detailed output during the unmount process.

Use Cases

• Secure Data Storage: Encrypt sensitive files or directories to protect them from unauthorized access.

• Private Directories: Create encrypted private directories for users to store confidential information securely.

Conclusion

mount.ecryptfs and umount.ecryptfs are essential tools for managing eCryptfs-encrypted directories on Linux systems. They provide a straightforward way to add encryption to existing directories without requiring changes to the underlying filesystem structure. Understanding their usage and options enables users and administrators to implement robust data security measures effectively.