gocryptfs provides file-based encryption through a mountable FUSE filesystem.

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About gocryptfs

gocryptfs provides file-based encryption through a mountable FUSE filesystem. Each file is stored as one corresponding encrypted file on the hard disk, and those encrypted files can be kept in any folder, on a USB stick, or inside a Dropbox folder. Because encryption works per file rather than on the whole disk, the encrypted files can be synchronized with standard tools such as Dropbox or rsync, and the encrypted filesystem grows dynamically, limited only by available disk space.

The project was inspired by EncFS and aims to address its security issues. Its cryptographic design uses Scrypt password hashing, GCM encryption for file contents, and EME wide-block encryption for file names with a per-directory IV. Linux is fully supported; macOS support is beta quality, meaning things usually work but users may hit occasional issues. Third-party implementations exist for Windows (cppcryptfs), Android (DroidFS) and Python (gocryptfs-inspect). The site advises keeping backups of important data and a copy of the master key printed on mount, which allows access if the config file is damaged or the password is lost.

Key features

  • File-based encryption exposed as a mountable FUSE filesystem
  • Each file is stored as one corresponding encrypted file
  • Encrypted files can live in any folder, USB stick or Dropbox folder
  • Encrypted files can be synchronized with standard tools like rsync or Dropbox
  • Uses Scrypt password hashing, GCM content encryption, EME filename encryption
  • Linux fully supported; macOS support is beta quality
Best for: Linux users who want per-file encryption of folders they also sync or back up with standard tools.
Good for
  • Per-file encryption lets standard sync tools such as Dropbox or rsync handle encrypted files efficiently
  • Encrypted filesystem size is dynamic and limited only by available disk space
  • Reached version 1.0 in 2016 after stress and correctness testing
Watch out for
  • macOS support is beta quality, so occasional issues may occur
  • Windows and Android use third-party implementations rather than the project itself
  • Recovering data after a damaged config file or lost password requires a saved copy of the master key

gocryptfs at a glance

Type
Website
Pricing
Not confirmed. Check the site
Platforms
Web
Open source
Not stated
Language
English
Last checked
Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
Listed
Oct 5, 2026

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gocryptfs FAQ

Which platforms does gocryptfs support?
Linux is fully supported, macOS support is beta quality, and third-party implementations exist for Windows (cppcryptfs), Android (DroidFS) and Python (gocryptfs-inspect).
Can the encrypted files be stored in cloud storage or synced?
Yes. The encrypted files can be stored in any folder on your hard disk, a USB stick or even inside the Dropbox folder, and can be synchronized with standard tools like Dropbox or rsync.
What should I keep to recover data if the config file is damaged or I lose my password?
Keep a copy of your master key, which is printed on mount, in a safe place; it allows you to access the data even if the gocryptfs.conf config file is damaged or you lose the password.
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