diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0865c61 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,32 @@ +# EncFS - and Encrypted Filesystem for FUSE + +## About + +EncFS provides an encrypted filesystem in user-space. It runs in userspace, using the FUSE library for +the filesystem interface. EncFS is open source software, licensed under the LGPL. + +EncFS is now over 10 years old (first release in 2003). It came about because older NFS-based encrypted +filesystems such as CFS had not kept pace with Linux development. When FUSE became available, +I wrote a CFS replacement for my own use and released the first version to Open Source in 2003. + +As with most encrypted filesystems, Encfs was meant to provide security against off-line attacks; +ie your notebook or backups fall into the wrong hands, etc. EncFS encrypts individual files, by +translating all requests for the virtual EncFS filesystem into the equivalent encrypted operations on +the raw filesystem. + +## Status + +Over the last 10 years, a number of good alternatives have grown up. Computing power has increased +to the point where it is reasonable to encrypt the entire filesystem of personal computers (and even +mobile phones!). On Linux, ecryptfs provides a nice dynamically mountable encrypted home directory, +and is well integrated in distributions I use, such as Ubuntu. + +EncFS has been dormant for a while. I've started cleaning up in order to try and provide a better +base for a version 2, but whether EncFS flowers again depends upon community interest. +In order to make it easier for anyone to contribute, I'm looking at Github as the next home +for EncFS. So if you're interested in EncFS, please dive in! + +## GitHub page + +GitHub hosting for EncFS is in progress. See also the original, and more complete, +introduction page at http://www.arg0.net/encfs