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Fresh Proxmox install w/ full disk encryption—so install Debian first, then Proxmox on top? (self.selfhosted)

submitted 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) by barnaclebill to c/[email protected]

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Background: I'd like to turn an old personal laptop into a Jellyfin server so that I can stream media to my living room TV. I want to be able to expand what I use this server for over time. I'm leaning toward Proxmox as the OS so that I can spin up new containers for various services instead of installing a bunch of services on a base Debian install. I also want full disk encryption so that any data on the OS drive is less likely to be compromised by theft or Craigslist.

Question #1: I gather the general accepted approach for this is to first install Debian as a base w/ full disk encryption enabled and then install Proxmox on top because there is no option for full disk encryption in the native installer for Proxmox. Is this still the case?

Excerpt from this tutorial from November 2023 on the Proxmox Forum:

This tutorial deals with encryption of an existing installation. If you are starting fresh, my recommendation would be to install Debian with full disk encryption and then add Proxmox to it.

Excerpt from this post from February 2019 on the Level1Techs Forum:

The easiest way to do an encrypted Proxmox setup is to start with a minimal, vanilla Debian install. Set up the encrypted partition using the installer like you would with any other Debian system. Once installed, reboot. Then follow the guide for installing Proxmox on Debian.

Question #2: I don't mind entering the key manually whenever I reboot the server, but will I be able to unlock the server remotely? For example, suppose I'm tinkering in the web admin panel or an SSH session and I want/need to reboot—will I have to physically go over to the laptop and enter the key every time?

Also, I appreciate any other tips from the community to help me think about this in the right way. Thanks!

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

If you want to set-up disk encryption you should probably understand that while the server is booted up as far as I know there will be no disk encryption leaving it completely available for anyone to take data from

Although most people entering your house would probably unplug the laptop and open it at there own home the data could still be valuable if it stays powered up with battery power.

[–] barnaclebill 1 points 1 day ago

Good point, thanks for clarifying that. I suppose the theft scenario is iffy, but it'll still help in case I ever sell (or junk) the disk.