Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Need a server to try this on? Antihost offers Linux VPS plans with NVMe storage, full root access and a 14-day free trial.
Use LUKS with Linux dm-crypt for whole-cluster encryption at rest. Put the filesystem containing PostgreSQL’s data directory on a LUKS-encrypted partition or disk, unlock and mount it before PostgreSQL starts, and include WAL, tablespaces, replicas, snapshots, and backups in the same protection plan. LUKS protects storage while the device is locked or removed; it does not hide data from an operating system after the volume is mounted.
Use PostgreSQL’s pgcrypto extension only when selected columns or values need to remain ciphertext in an online database. It complements volume encryption rather than replacing it.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallWhat “encryption at rest” means for PostgreSQL
At-rest encryption protects data stored on media when the machine is powered off, a disk is removed, or a server is stolen. Ubuntu describes full-disk encryption as ensuring that data on a disk or selected partitions is encrypted at rest, using the Linux Unified Key Setup (LUKS) framework at the block level. PostgreSQL lists dm-crypt with LUKS as its Linux block-level or full-disk option.
PostgreSQL normally writes more than table rows into its main data directory. A complete design must account for transaction logs, separately configured tablespaces, temporary locations, exported dumps, physical and logical backups, replicas, cloud snapshots, and any staging copy used during migration. Encrypting only one directory leaves other copies exposed.
#1 Best Overall
- Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
- With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
- Wide Application: attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
- Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
- Economical &Reusable: Built durable materials with a long-lasting battery,our CAGIWIRU air duster it's a sustainable alternative to disposable air cans.
LUKS and pgcrypto solve different problems
| Characteristic | LUKS with dm-crypt | pgcrypto |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Encrypts a partition or whole block device, covering files stored there. | Encrypts selected values or columns that the application explicitly processes. |
| Plaintext exposure | Data is unreadable while the device is locked; the mounted filesystem presents normal plaintext files to the operating system. | Values are decrypted during database processing; keys and plaintext exist in the server process or client connection as applicable. |
| Typical key operation | A passphrase or an automated mechanism such as TPM-assisted unlocking opens the volume. | The application or a separate key-management process supplies keys to SQL functions. |
| Operational scope | Requires storage, boot, mount, backup, and recovery planning. | Requires schema, query, application, and key-handling changes for every protected value. |
| Main threat addressed | Disclosure from a stolen or removed drive, or a stolen powered-off computer. | Reducing exposure of particular fields even when the database is online. |
Choosing pgcrypto because only one column is sensitive does not encrypt PostgreSQL’s other files, indexes, WAL, temporary files, or backups. Choosing LUKS does not prevent an administrator, malware, or a compromised service from reading data after the volume has been unlocked.
Define the scope and threat model first
Write down what “the database” includes before changing storage. At minimum, answer these questions:
- Which filesystem or block device contains the active cluster?
- Are WAL files on the same filesystem, or is
pg_walelsewhere? - Do any tablespaces point to another mount?
- Where are base backups, logical dumps, archived WAL, and automated snapshots stored?
- Are replicas, reporting servers, or development restores covered by the same requirement?
- Who is allowed to unlock the volume, and how can the service recover if that person or key is unavailable?
Storage encryption is most useful against loss or theft of media. It is not a substitute for PostgreSQL authentication, role permissions, host hardening, TLS, monitoring, or encrypted backup handling. Treat those controls as separate layers.
Inventory PostgreSQL’s actual storage paths
Do not assume that the package default is the active location. Query the running server and inspect the operating-system mounts before planning a move.
sudo -u postgres psql -Atc "show data_directory;
show config_file;
show hba_file;
show wal_level;"
sudo -u postgres psql -Atc "select spcname, pg_tablespace_location(oid) from pg_tablespace;"
findmnt
lsblk -fThe first query identifies the cluster directory and configuration files. The tablespace query reveals directories that may not be below data_directory. Use findmnt and lsblk -f to map each path to a filesystem and block device. Also inspect your backup and WAL-archive jobs; an encrypted primary volume does not automatically encrypt a dump written to another disk or an object-storage snapshot.
Rank #2
- Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
- Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
- Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
- Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
- Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth
Put the cluster on a LUKS-encrypted volume
Fresh Ubuntu installation
For a new host, create the encrypted partition or disk during installation with Ubuntu’s supported storage configuration, then create the filesystem and mount it at the path intended for PostgreSQL. This avoids copying an existing unencrypted cluster and lets you test unlock and boot behavior before production data exists.
Ubuntu’s LUKS implementation stores an encrypted volume key in the LUKS header. A passphrase-derived key-encryption key unlocks that volume key; LUKS1 uses PBKDF2 and LUKS2 uses Argon2 for passphrase processing. Record the chosen format and recovery procedure in your system documentation.
Existing cluster
Never reformat a live data device to create LUKS. Schedule downtime, or build a new encrypted host and migrate using a tested backup/restore or replication-based procedure. Keep the original copy until the encrypted cluster has started successfully, passed application checks, and produced a recoverable backup.
- Take and verify a current backup. Confirm that a separate environment can read it.
- Prepare the LUKS-backed filesystem on new storage using your distribution’s supported tooling. Formatting destroys existing contents, so verify the device identifier several times.
- Stop application writes and PostgreSQL according to your change plan, or let a replication-based migration catch up before promotion.
- Copy or restore the cluster onto the mounted encrypted filesystem. Preserve ownership by the PostgreSQL service account, directory modes, and any tablespace links.
- Update the service configuration only after the new mount is available, then start PostgreSQL and validate connections, tablespaces, WAL, and scheduled jobs.
- Retire the old unencrypted copy only after recovery and rollback procedures have been tested.
Make unlock, mount, and service startup dependable
PostgreSQL must not start against an empty directory when the encrypted filesystem failed to unlock. Configure the volume with a stable filesystem identifier, test the mount at boot, and establish a service dependency so PostgreSQL starts only after the decrypted mapping is open and mounted. An interactive shell command that an operator might forget is not a reliable boot design.
After mounting, verify that the directory is owned by the PostgreSQL account and that permissions, mandatory-access-control policy, and service confinement rules still allow access. Ubuntu systems using AppArmor, and systems using other access-control policies, may require a policy review when the path changes. Test both a normal reboot and a failed-unlock case; the latter should fail safely rather than start on the wrong filesystem.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- 【Large size】：Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
- 【LED backlight mouse pad】：Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
- 【Anti-slip rubber base】：Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
- 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
- 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.
Choose how the LUKS volume is unlocked
| Method | Advantages | Operational costs and failure cases |
|---|---|---|
| Operator-entered passphrase | Simple conceptually and keeps the unlock secret out of unattended boot configuration. | An operator must be present after a reboot. Forgotten passphrases or an unavailable operator can prevent PostgreSQL from starting. |
| TPM-assisted unlock, including Clevis integration | Can unlock automatically on a trusted machine when the expected measured-boot state is present. | Depends on the TPM, enrollment, boot measurements, and recovery-key procedures. Firmware, motherboard, or boot changes can require re-enrollment or recovery. |
Keep an offline recovery method regardless of the primary choice. Document who can use it, where it is stored, and how to rotate or revoke unlock credentials. A TPM does not eliminate key management; it changes which conditions release the key. Test recovery after a disk replacement, firmware change, TPM failure, and loss of the normal operator.
Protect WAL, tablespaces, replicas, and backups
Whole-cluster protection is complete only when every copy that matters receives equivalent treatment.
- WAL: Place locally stored and archived WAL on encrypted storage. WAL can contain row changes that reveal sensitive values.
- Tablespaces: Encrypt every filesystem referenced by a tablespace, not just the default data directory.
- Backups and dumps: Store physical backups, logical dumps, and archived WAL on encrypted destinations. A plaintext dump defeats an encrypted primary disk.
- Snapshots: Verify the encryption behavior of filesystem, hypervisor, and cloud snapshots. A snapshot copied outside the encrypted volume needs its own protection.
- Replicas: Configure encryption independently on replica storage and backup paths. Replication traffic also needs appropriate network protection.
- Temporary and staging data: Check temporary tables, exports, restore directories, and migration workspaces for unencrypted files.
Keep retention and deletion procedures aligned with the same policy. An old backup that cannot be located or destroyed is still a disclosure risk.
Use pgcrypto for selected fields
The pgcrypto module supplies hashing, password hashing, PGP encryption, and raw encryption functions. PostgreSQL requires an OpenSSL-enabled build for the module. It is appropriate when an application needs a particular value—such as a document field or token—to remain ciphertext in the database even though the cluster is online.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
A typical design stores ciphertext in a dedicated column and calls a pgcrypto function from controlled application code. The key should come from the application or a separate key-management process, not from a value embedded in a SQL query, schema definition, or source repository. Plan key rotation, re-encryption, indexing limitations, and how an application behaves when the key service is unavailable.
Rank #4
- 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
- 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
- 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
- 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
- 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.
CREATE EXTENSION IF NOT EXISTS pgcrypto;Encryption changes query behavior. Equality searches, sorting, and range queries may no longer work directly on ciphertext, and deterministic schemes can reveal repeated values. Use the minimum searchable metadata necessary and avoid exposing decrypted values in logs, error messages, exports, or client-side debugging.
PostgreSQL cautions that “All pgcrypto functions run inside the database server.” Data and passwords move between the functions and client applications in clear text unless the connection is protected. Use local connections where appropriate or require SSL/TLS, and trust that database and system administrators can inspect the running server. If that trust boundary is unacceptable, perform cryptography in the client application or a separate service before data reaches PostgreSQL.
What LUKS cannot protect
PostgreSQL’s documentation states that storage encryption prevents unencrypted data from being read from stolen drives or computers, but “This does not protect against attacks while the file system is mounted, because when mounted, the operating system provides an unencrypted view of the data.” In practical terms, an attacker with sufficient privileges on a running host can read database files, memory, processes, or decrypted query results.
Therefore combine LUKS with:
- Least-privilege Unix and PostgreSQL roles.
- Strong authentication and restrictive
pg_hba.confrules. - TLS for remote client connections and replication where required.
- Patch management, host firewalling, service isolation, and intrusion monitoring.
- Encrypted, access-controlled backup storage.
- Auditing of volume unlock events, administrator access, and backup retrieval.
Do not describe LUKS as protection against a compromised running host, a malicious privileged administrator, or an application that is already authorized to query plaintext.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Validate the implementation before relying on it
- Confirm coverage: map the data directory, WAL, tablespaces, backup destinations, replicas, and snapshots to encrypted devices or encrypted services.
- Test a normal reboot: unlock the volume using the documented method, confirm the mount, and verify that PostgreSQL starts only afterward.
- Test a failed unlock: ensure PostgreSQL does not start against an empty or unencrypted fallback directory.
- Check permissions and policy: run a connection test, read a table, write a transaction, create temporary data, and access each tablespace.
- Restore a backup: perform a restore on a separate host and confirm that the destination is encrypted before loading sensitive data.
- Exercise key recovery: use the offline recovery method in a non-production environment and document each step and expected operator decision.
- Review residual copies: search migration directories, old disks, dump folders, and temporary exports for plaintext files before decommissioning them.
Record test dates, software versions, responsible operators, and the conditions under which TPM-assisted unlocking succeeds or falls back to recovery. Re-run the tests after bootloader, firmware, storage, or PostgreSQL layout changes.
Best Value
- 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
- 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
- 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
- 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
- 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.
Performance and hardware decisions
The authoritative material for this Ubuntu/PostgreSQL combination does not publish a universal performance penalty, benchmark, SSD model, TPM model, or hardware requirement. Encryption performance depends on the CPU, storage stack, workload, filesystem, PostgreSQL version, and configuration. Measure on a representative non-production system rather than applying an overhead percentage from another deployment.
Benchmark the operations your service actually performs: checkpoint and WAL throughput, latency under concurrent queries, backup and restore time, replica catch-up, reboot and unlock time, and behavior during key recovery. Compare the encrypted design with the same workload on equivalent hardware, and keep the threat model—not an assumed benchmark—as the reason for the final choice.
Troubleshooting common failures
PostgreSQL starts but the data directory is empty
The encrypted filesystem probably was not unlocked or mounted before the service started. Stop PostgreSQL, verify the block mapping and mountpoint, and add a tested boot/service dependency. Do not initialize a new cluster in the empty directory.
The volume unlocks, but PostgreSQL reports permission errors
Check ownership and mode bits on the mountpoint and every parent directory. Review AppArmor or other access-control policies if the path changed, then retry a connection and a tablespace access test.
A replica or restore contains readable files
Encryption on the primary does not transfer automatically to another host or backup destination. Configure encryption on the replica’s storage and on the restore target, and inspect the backup pipeline for plaintext staging files.
TPM unlocking fails after a firmware or boot change
Use the documented recovery key or passphrase, record the changed measured-boot state, and follow your enrollment procedure before re-enabling unattended unlock. Never discard the offline recovery method after a successful re-enrollment.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteAn application cannot search encrypted values
That is an application-design consequence of field encryption. Decide whether a narrowly scoped searchable token, a separate protected index, or client-side query processing meets the requirement without exposing unnecessary information. Do not silently replace field encryption with plaintext storage.
Quick Recap
Operational checklist
- Identify every PostgreSQL storage path and copy.
- Choose LUKS for whole-volume protection and
pgcryptoonly for selected-value requirements. - Document passphrase, TPM, and recovery-key custody.
- Ensure unlock and mount complete before PostgreSQL starts.
- Preserve service ownership, permissions, tablespace links, and access-control policy.
- Encrypt backups, WAL archives, snapshots, replicas, and temporary staging areas.
- Test reboot, failed unlock, restore, lost-key, disk-replacement, and TPM-recovery procedures.
- Use host hardening, PostgreSQL authorization, TLS, and monitoring for threats that mounted-volume encryption cannot address.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
