EncryptedHomeDirectory
Launchpad Entry: https://blueprints.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+spec/encrypted-home-directory
Created: 2008-12-02
Contributors: DustinKirkland
Packages affected: adduser, ecryptfs-utils, gnome-system-tools, Graphical Installer(s), Alternate Installer
Summary
Based on the delivery of EncryptedPrivateDirectory in Ubuntu Intrepid, this specification describes the next steps to extend that work to provide a seamless mechanism for encrypting a user's entire home directory.
Release Note
This section should include a paragraph describing the end-user impact of this change. It is meant to be included in the release notes of the first release in which it is implemented. (Not all of these will actually be included in the release notes, at the release manager's discretion; but writing them is a useful exercise.)
It is mandatory.
Rationale
This should cover the _why_: why is this change being proposed, what justifies it, where we see this justified.
Use Cases
Assumptions
Design
You can have subsections that better describe specific parts of the issue.
Implementation
This section should describe a plan of action (the "how") to implement the changes discussed. Could include subsections like:
UI Changes
Should cover changes required to the UI, or specific UI that is required to implement this
Code Changes
Code changes should include an overview of what needs to change, and in some cases even the specific details.
Migration
Include:
- data migration, if any
- redirects from old URLs to new ones, if any
- how users will be pointed to the new way of doing things, if necessary.
Test/Demo Plan
As of 2008-12-02, you can test this by:
Install the adduser and ecryptfs-utils packages in the following PPA:
- Add a user with an encrypted home directory as root, with:
# adduser --encrypt-home testuser
Login as testuser on the console, through the GUI, and via ssh. Ensure that all programs work as expected. Log out of the console/GUI/ssh. Ensure that the home directory is not mounted and that the data stored in /home/testuser/.Private is encrypted.
Unresolved issues
There are two other specifications, solving related issues:
- Encrypting Swap Space
- GUI for eCryptfs
Discussion
Please post questions to: