I currently use two different file encryption methods, I'm wondering
whether to simplify my life (slightly) by just using one. However I'm
wondering if there is anything better out there, both as regards
usability and effectiveness.
I use encfs for one directory tree of files which I only access
occasionally, I have to re-remember the command line way to decrypt
them for use but it doesn't usually take long. :-) There are some
security problems with encfs but for *file* encryption what else is
there?
For some files containing passwords I use vi[le]'s encryption which is
known to be weak but it's very handy. I have a trivial script that
wraps up the command sequence such that all I have to do is:-
nnnn <name of encrypted file>
... and I get prompted for the password, then vi[le] opens the file
and I can read it (and edit if if needed).
I did try some encryption breaking software on the password files and
it did a pretty bad job, it needs some 'clues' as in words that are
present in the file to decrypt and, as the files don't contain many
words as such, guessing these would be difficult.
Are there any alternatives? File system encryption doesn't really help
as the machine in question is turned on all the time with the desktop
open so it would spend its whole time with the file system decrypted.
It's not a laptop so it doesn't have a big risk of being stolen or
lost.
--
Chris Green