Easy Data Encryption with TrueCrypt on Linux (Ubuntu/OpenSuSe) System

TrueCrypt is a software system for establishing and maintaining an on-the-fly-encrypted volume (data storage device). On-the-fly encryption means that data is automatically encrypted or decrypted right before it is loaded or saved, without any user intervention. No data stored on an encrypted volume can be read (decrypted) without using the correct password/keyfile(s) or correct encryption keys. Entire file system is encrypted (e.g., file names, folder names, contents of every file, free space, meta data, etc).

Files can be copied to and from a mounted TrueCrypt volume just like they are copied to/from any normal disk (for example, by simple drag-and-drop operations). Files are automatically being decrypted on the fly while they are being read or copied from an encrypted TrueCrypt volume. Similarly, files that are being written or copied to the TrueCrypt volume are automatically being encrypted on the fly.

It's also possible to access the same encrypted partition/volume on multiple OSes, as long as they have TrueCrypt installed and are able to read the filesystem used on the disk. (So you still can't get at your ext3 filesystem on Windows!) This is particularly useful for encrypting the USB drive.

TrueCrypt Features:
* Creates a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mounts it as a real disk.
* Encrypts an entire partition or storage device such as USB flash drive or hard drive.
* Encrypts a partition or drive where Windows is installed (pre-boot authentication).
* Encryption is automatic, real-time (on-the-fly) and transparent.
* Parallelization and pipelining allow data to be read and written as fast as if the drive was not encrypted.
* Provides plausible deniability, in case an adversary forces you to reveal the password:
Hidden volume (steganography) and hidden operating system.
* Encryption algorithms: AES (256-bit key), Blowfish (448-bit key), CAST5 (128-bit key), Serpent (256-bit key), Triple DES, and Twofish ( 256-bit key) also supports cascading (eg, AES-Serpent-Twofish).

Installation:
OpenSuSe 11.2 user can use "1-click" installer - here

Ubuntu:
Go to the truecrypt web site at:http://www.truecrypt.org/downloads.php
Download the correct version, Once it is downloaded untar and unzip: tar zxvf truecrypt*

This will create an executable file which can begin the installation. One thing to note is that if you have any dependencies you must meet those before you can proceed.  Execute the file:

sh truecrypt*

TrueCrypt 6.3a Setup
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Installation options:
1) Install truecrypt_6.3a-0_i386.deb
2) Extract package file truecrypt_6.3a-0_i386.deb and place it to /tmp
To select, enter 1 or 2:

Choose 1) to install, You will need to accept the license.

After installation go to terminal and type command: truecrypt to open up the application.