Full Disk Encryption

Full Disk Encryption (FDE) is a security technique that encrypts all data on a storage device, including the operating system, applications, and user files, using cryptographic algorithms. It ensures that data is unreadable without the correct decryption key, typically derived from a password, PIN, or hardware token. FDE is commonly implemented at the hardware or software level to protect against unauthorized access in case of device theft, loss, or physical compromise.

Also known as: FDE, Whole Disk Encryption, Device Encryption, Hard Drive Encryption, Disk-Level Encryption

Why learn Full Disk Encryption?

Developers should learn and use Full Disk Encryption to secure sensitive data on laptops, servers, or mobile devices, especially when handling confidential information like user credentials, financial data, or intellectual property. It is essential in compliance-driven industries such as healthcare (HIPAA), finance (PCI-DSS), and government, where data protection regulations mandate encryption. Use cases include securing development machines with proprietary code, protecting backup drives, and ensuring data privacy in remote work scenarios.

Learning Resources

• docs: NIST Guide to Storage Encryption Technologies
• docs: BitLocker Documentation by Microsoft
• tutorial: Full Disk Encryption Tutorial on Linux with LUKS
• course: Coursera Course: Cryptography and Information Theory
• docs: FileVault Overview by Apple