How should I do it if I want to…

  • Format external SSD to use with linux
  • Full drive encryption
  • Compatible with windows (temporarily)
  • Preferably do it with KDE GUI

Context: A linux noob. I got a new laptop earlier this year and uses it mainly for tinkering/playing with linux, get competent with it before dropping windows completely on my main desktop. There is a lot of stuff I want to move back and forth between those machines during this learning period.

My idea is to use an external SSD which when I’m done with windows, I can still use it to store work files or any sensitive stuff, so it will need encryption.

Saw a reddit thread saying I still need veracrypt, which I’m totally ok with on windows side but I prefer keeping everything simple on linux side (I only know it can be done without any extra package)

Extra question:
I can possibly store all works and sensitive data on encrypt external and leave root drive unencrypted. In that case, which file system should I use on which drive? Does it matter?

Thank you in advance.

  • The Doctor@beehaw.org
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    1 year ago

    Looking at your use case, I think Veracrypt is the best fit. It can encrypt removable media, it can do WDE of both removable media and on-board storage, and you can pick the file system inside of the encrypted container (for compatibility’s sake). And it has a GUI front-end for every OS Veracrypt will run on.