How to Install VeraCrypt on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04

VeraCrypt is a robust, open-source disk encryption software designed to provide advanced security for your data. It allows users to encrypt entire partitions or storage devices with on-the-fly encryption, meaning data is automatically encrypted before being saved and decrypted upon access without user intervention. VeraCrypt is the successor to TrueCrypt, enhancing security with stronger encryption algorithms and additional features to safeguard against brute-force attacks. Key technical highlights include support for AES, Serpent, and Twofish encryption algorithms, the ability to encrypt system partitions, and the creation of hidden volumes for plausible deniability.

On Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04, VeraCrypt can be installed easily via a dedicated PPA maintained by Unit 193, a trusted contributor to the Ubuntu community. This PPA ensures that you have access to the latest stable version of VeraCrypt, complete with security patches and updates. By installing VeraCrypt through this PPA, you can rely on a secure and up-to-date encryption solution tailored for Ubuntu systems.

Update Ubuntu System Before VeraCrypt Installation

Before diving into the installation process, ensuring that your Ubuntu system is up-to-date is crucial. To update your system, open your terminal and execute the following command:

sudo apt update

Optionally, if any upgrades are available, you should execute the following command to upgrade your system:

sudo apt upgrade

Import VeraCrypt APT PPA

Now that your system is up-to-date, the next step is to import the Personal Package Archive (PPA) for VeraCrypt. A PPA is a distribution mechanism for software that isn’t included in Ubuntu’s built-in repositories. In this case, we’ll use the PPA maintained by Unit 193, a well-known contributor to the Ubuntu community.

To add the VeraCrypt PPA to your system, execute the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:unit193/encryption -y

This command adds the PPA to your system’s software sources, enabling you to install software directly from the PPA.

After adding the PPA, updating your system’s package lists is essential. This lets your system recognize and fetch the package information from the newly added PPA. You can do this by running the following command:

sudo apt update

Finalize VeraCrypt Installation via APT Command

With the VeraCrypt PPA now part of your system’s software sources, you’re ready to install VeraCrypt. The installation process is straightforward, thanks to Ubuntu’s Advanced Packaging Tool (APT).

To install VeraCrypt, execute the following command:

sudo apt  install veracrypt

This command tells APT to fetch the VeraCrypt package from its sources (which now includes the VeraCrypt PPA) and install it on your system. The -y flag automatically confirms any prompts that may appear during the installation process.

Launching VeraCrypt via CLI or GUI

After successfully installing VeraCrypt on your Ubuntu system, the next step is to launch the application. Depending on your preference and the nature of your work, this process can be accomplished in several ways.

CLI Method to Launch VeraCrypt

For those who are comfortable with the command line or need to run VeraCrypt on a system without a graphical user interface (GUI), launching VeraCrypt from the terminal is the way to go.

To start VeraCrypt from the terminal, type the following command and press Enter:

veracrypt

GUI Method to Launch VeraCrypt

VeraCrypt can be launched from the Ubuntu GUI for those who prefer a more visual approach. This method is typically more intuitive for users who are not as familiar with the command line. Here’s how to do it:

1. Click the “Activities” button at your desktop’s top left corner. This will bring up an overview of your workspace and a search bar at the top.
2. Next, click “Show Applications” at the bottom left corner. This will display a grid of all the applications installed on your system.
3. Finally, locate the VeraCrypt icon and click on it to launch the application. If you can’t find it immediately, you can use the search bar to type “VeraCrypt,” and the icon should appear.

Additional VeraCrypt Commands

Update VeraCrypt

To update VeraCrypt, along with all other packages managed by the APT package manager, you can use the following command:

sudo apt upgrade && sudo apt upgrade

This command first updates the package lists for upgrades (sudo apt update) and then upgrades all upgradable packages (sudo apt upgrade). This ensures that VeraCrypt and all other packages on your system are up-to-date.

Remove VeraCrypt

If you no longer require VeraCrypt, you can remove it from your system. The removal process depends on your original installation method.

To remove VeraCrypt, use the following command:

sudo apt remove veracrypt

If you’re confident you won’t use VeraCrypt again, removing the VeraCrypt PPA from your system’s software sources is a good idea. This can be done with the following command:

sudo sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:unit193/encryption -y

This command removes the VeraCrypt PPA, ensuring your system’s software sources are kept clean and organized. These commands apply to all Ubuntu versions, making them a reliable way to manage your VeraCrypt installation.

Closing Thoughts

Installing VeraCrypt on your Ubuntu system via the Unit 193 PPA provides you with a powerful encryption tool that is both secure and user-friendly. The PPA offers a streamlined installation process and guarantees that your software is regularly updated, ensuring that your data remains protected with the latest security advancements. With VeraCrypt, you can confidently encrypt your data, whether you need to secure an entire drive or create a hidden volume, all within the familiar Ubuntu environment.

Useful Links

Here are some valuable links related to using VeraCrypt:

• VeraCrypt Official Website: Explore the official VeraCrypt website for details about the encryption software, its features, and download links.
• VeraCrypt Documentation: Access thorough documentation for comprehensive guides on installing, setting up, and using VeraCrypt.
• VeraCrypt Source Code: Review the VeraCrypt source code to understand its implementation and to contribute to development.
• VeraCrypt Discussion Forum: Join the discussion forum on SourceForge to ask questions, share solutions, and receive support from the community.