Are Your Linux Servers Really Protected?

Are Your Linux Servers Really Protected?

It’s often thought that because the servers are behind lock and key and/or in a data center, and because the data is in continuous use, encrypting the server drives isn’t needed since the data is never at-rest.

  • By Garry McCracken
  • Jun 12, 2019

When thinking about IT security, one area that may not readily come to mind is the physical security of an enterprise’s servers. It’s often thought that because the servers are behind lock and key and/or in a data center, and because the data is in continuous use, encrypting the server drives isn’t needed since the data is never at-rest.

That thinking presents a significant potential problem, though. Eventually, all drives need to be repaired or disposed of and must leave the data center. Having them encrypted is the best way to protect the data on them from accidental – or potentially not accidental – exposure. Adding to that, given the seemingly never-ending amount of breaches in the news and compliance regulations like GDPR, HIPAA and those of all 50 states, the wise advice is to encrypt everything, everywhere, all the time.

If you have Linux servers, you may think you are protected since Linux has built in encryption for several years now. But, that may not in fact be the case. Why is that?

Following are the disk encryption capabilities built into Linux:

dm-crypt

dm-crypt is a transparent disk encryption subsystem within the Linux kernel. It is a block device-based abstraction that can be inserted on top of other block devices, like disks. It is, therefore, an ideal technology to be used for full disk encryption (FDE). The actual encryption is not built into dm-crypt, but rather it utilizes cryptographic routines (e.g., AES) from the kernel’s Crypto API.

LUKS

LUKS (Linux Unified Key Setup) is a disk encryption specification that details a platform-independent standard on-disk format for use in various tools (e.g., a standard encryption header), which provides the basis for implementing password management. LUKS operates on Linux and is based on an enhanced version of cryptsetup that uses dm-crypt as the disk encryption backend.

Together, dm-crypt and LUKS form the foundation for a simple, “standalone” password authenticated FDE application. However, this is not an enterprise grade solution.

The problem is, the Linux native FDE leaves gaps in data protection, including:

• No centralized password, key management and backup of an encrypted server.

• Difficult root volume encryption leaving room for errors.

• No straightforward way to crypto-erase a comprised drive.

• No consolidated compliance view of encrypted devices to prove all servers’ encryption states.

The lack of management and compliance capabilities built into Linux servers have caused enterprises to struggle with their encryption and data protection efforts.

So how can businesses with Linux servers best address this? They should look for solutions that contain the following features and functionality:

Separation of Encryption and Key Management

To be most effective, an encryption product should be separated into two components – encryption and key management -- because the expertise to deliver these two components is quite different. For extra protection, consider solutions that layer on top of dm-crypt rather than replacing it to better cohesively manage encryption.

Robust Authentication

With so much focus today on identity and access control, it’s important to have an encryption solution that can provide more robust authentication of servers to ensure that your data is safe from harm. Pre-boot network-based authentication can provide this, bolstering security before the operating system boots.

Simple Way to Ensure Root and Data Volume Encryption and Crypto-Erase a Compromised Drive

Root volume encryption, data volume encryption and encrypting swap partition are all needed for security and compliance. Look for solutions that enable this in a simple manner. Also, the solutions should have a simple mechanism to cryptographically erase all data when a drive is compromised, or it is to be repurposed. This operation must also be recorded for compliance reasons.

Centralized Compliance View and Management of Encrypted Devices, Keys and Recovery Information

With this type of visibility, you can see if a Linux server in your organization is encrypted and compliant with your encryption policy. The server would communicate its encryption status (for all disks) to a central console. Thereby, if a server goes missing, the IT department would have proof of its encryption state for auditors. Also, overall password recovery, operations and management of an encrypted Linux server from a central console is essential. The console should also be able to provide central backup of the encryption keys and recovery information.

Having a seamless and integrated encryption solution for servers, including for Linux servers, is essential. With the types of functionality listed above, organizations will be best positioned to protect the confidential information they hold – and meet the requirements of the ever-growing list of compliance regulations – should a data breach take place.

Featured

  • Cyber Overconfidence Is Leaving Your Organization Vulnerable

    The increased sophistication of cyber threats pumped by the relentless use of AI and machine learning brings forth record-breaking statistics. Cyberattacks grew 44% YoY in 2024, with a weekly average of 1,673 cyberattacks per organization. While organizations up their security game to help thwart these attacks, a critical question remains: Can employees identify a threat when they come across one? A Confidence Gap survey reveals that 86% of employees feel confident in their ability to identify phishing attempts. But things are not as rosy as they appear; the more significant part of the report finds this confidence misplaced. Read Now

  • Mission 500 Debuts Refreshed Identity Ahead of Security 5K/2K at ISC West

    Mission 500, the security industry’s nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting children in need across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, has unveiled a refreshed brand identity ahead of ISC West. The charity’s new look includes a modernized logo with refined messaging to reinforce Mission 500’s nearly decade-long commitment to serving the needs of children and families in crisis. Read Now

    • Industry Events

  • Meeting Modern Demands

    Door hardware and access control continue to be at the forefront of innovation within the security industry, continuously evolving to meet the dynamic needs of commercial spaces. Read Now

  • Leveraging IoT and Open Platform VMS for a Connected Future

    The evolution of urban environments is being reshaped by the convergence of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and open platform VMS. As cities worldwide grapple with growing populations and increasing operational complexities, these integrated technologies are emerging as powerful tools for creating more livable, efficient, and secure urban spaces. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.”

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.