A user has a laptop configured with multiple operating system installations. The operating systems are all installed on a single SSD, but each has its own partition and logical volume. Which of the following is the BEST way to ensure confidentiality of individual operating system data?
A . Encryption of each individual partition
B . Encryption of the SSD at the file level
C . FDE of each logical volume on the SSD
D . FDE of the entire SSD as a single disk
Answer: A
Explanation:
In this question, we have multiple operating system installations on a single disk. Some operating systems store their boot loader in the MBR of the disk. However, some operating systems install their boot loader outside the MBR especially when multiple operating systems are installed. We need to encrypt as much data as possible but we cannot encrypt the boot loaders. This would prevent the operating systems from loading.
Therefore, the solution is to encrypt each individual partition separately.
Incorrect Answers:
B: The question is asking for the BEST way to ensure confidentiality of individual operating system data. Individual file encryption could work but if files are ever added to the operating systems (for updates etc.), you would have to manually encrypt the new files as well. A better solution would be to encrypt the entire partition. That way any new files added to the operating system would be automatically encrypted.
C: You cannot perform full disk encryption on an individual volume. Full disk encryption encrypts the entire disk.
D: FDE of the entire SSD as a single disk would encrypt the boot loaders which would prevent the operating systems from booting.