Encrypting with TrueCrypt
In an earlier post I wrote about some of the free encryption options for PC users. One of the products I talked about was TrueCrypt, and others agree with me that it is a good option for data encryption. I decided to take it a step further, and wrote a How-To article using TrueCrypt. It’s a pretty detailed beginner’s guide to creating encrypted volumes on a Windows PC. Performing the same operations in Linux wouldn’t be that different, since the interfaces are very similar.
Free Virtualization Options
One of my Suite101 articles covers the Benefits of Virtualization on PCs. The benefits are summarized here:
- Run Alternative Operating Systems
- Safer Internet Browsing and Banking
- Software Testing on VMs
- Customized VMs for Multiple Users
- Snapshots for Easy Backup and Restore
Again deciding that an easy to follow beginner’s guide was warranted, I wrote a Tutorial for getting Linux running in a Virtual Machine on Windows, using VirtualBox.
Encryption and Virtualization for Configuration Management
Both of these technologies can play an important role in config management. Configuration files containing server information, passwords, etc. are often necessary in the deployment of applications. Leaving them in plain-text is an invitation for disaster. Sooner or later, someone who shouldn’t will see the information and gain unauthorized access. This doesn’t even have to be someone with malicious intent in order to be dangerous. Some of the worst mis-haps in the tech industry have been caused by well-meaning employees who had more access than their role and expertise warranted.
Virtualization too has it’s advantages for a configuration manager. If you can create VMs to represent the target servers and workstations, then you can develop, test, and tweak your deployment methods – particularly with respect to automation – without risking any real environment.
These ideas and articles just scratch the surface of the usefulness of encryption and virtualization. The latter, especially, has a lot to offer in the workplace, including disaster recovery, remote control, backup and restore, etc. Both technologies can increase the security and reliability of configuration management practices.
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