CachyOS, built for performance and security, provides default encryption options within GNOME. However, the encryption strength of these built-in methods is unclear to me, making them less than ideal for safeguarding sensitive files. A simple fix? Install 7-Zip full, which unlocks AES-256 encryption and enables a right-click encryption option within your file manager.
Additionally, we’ll cover Firefox password security, the pros and cons of GNOME Keyring storage, and why a password-based approach is sometimes better than relying on GPG keys.
🔐 Enhancing GNOME Encryption on CachyOS with 7-Zip
While GNOME offers encryption, the exact strength isn’t well-documented. To ensure strong AES-256 encryption, installing 7-Zip full is the best approach.
Step 1: Install 7-Zip Full on CachyOS
To enable advanced encryption in your right-click menu:
sudo pacman -S p7zipThis installs full 7-Zip functionality, allowing you to encrypt files efficiently.
Step 2: Encrypt a File with 7-Zip
- Right-click the file you want to encrypt.
- Select “Add to Archive…”.
- Choose 7z or ZIP format.
- Under Encryption, select AES-256 and enter a strong password.
- Click OK, and your file is now securely encrypted.
This method ensures robust encryption with minimal setup, without needing external tools like Seahorse.
Is It Safe to Store Passwords in Firefox on CachyOS?
If configured properly, Firefox can securely store credentials. The key is enabling a Primary Password and ensuring the OS is LUKS-encrypted.
✔️ Why Firefox Password Storage Is Safe
- Firefox encrypts saved passwords using AES-256 when a Primary Password is set.
- If your system is LUKS-encrypted, data stored locally remains protected from unauthorized access.
- A firewall ensures remote access attempts don’t expose stored credentials.
🚫 When Firefox Password Storage Is Risky
- Without a Primary Password, stored passwords can be accessed without authentication.
- If Firefox Sync is compromised, saved credentials may be vulnerable.
How to Secure Firefox Passwords on CachyOS
- Enable a Primary Password under:
Settings > Privacy & Security> Use a Primary Password
- Use LUKS full-disk encryption to secure all stored credentials.
Why Password-Based Encryption Is Better Than GNOME Keyring
GNOME Keyring allows automatic password retrieval, but it poses a risk—if the keyring fails, you could lose access to important data.
✔️ Why Manually Entering Passwords Is Smarter
- Typing the password keeps it fresh in memory.
- No reliance on GNOME Keyring failures.
- Password-based encryption stays accessible across multiple backups.
Keyring storage can be convenient, but for high-value data, manual encryption ensures you’re never locked out due to a keyring failure.
GPG Encryption – When It Works & When It Doesn’t
PGP/GPG keys offer strong encryption but come with a major risk—if a private key is lost or not backed up, encrypted files become permanently inaccessible.
✔️ When GPG Keys Are Useful
- Long-term encryption and digital signatures.
- Secure communication with other GPG users.
🚫 Why a Password-Based Approach Might Be Better
- Passwords don’t require external key backups.
- GPG encryption is more complex and not ideal for daily use.
For everyday encryption, password-based 7-Zip encryption is more practical, ensuring access even if system files or backups are lost.
Final Thoughts – CachyOS Encryption Made Simple
By installing 7-Zip full, users gain quick, reliable, and strong AES-256 encryption, avoiding uncertainty about GNOME’s default encryption strength. When paired with Firefox’s secure password storage (with a Primary Password) and LUKS full-disk encryption, your data remains protected both locally and online.
Meanwhile, avoiding over-reliance on GNOME Keyring and GPG keys without backups ensures that encryption stays practical, secure, and accessible in all situations.
With these enhancements, CachyOS users get the security they deserve—without unnecessary complexity.