Add a password to Calibre DB

Nic0 · 12-11-2018, 04:19 PM

Hello,

I am researching documentation about adding a password to my local Calibre Database; is it a built-in feature ?

I do not use calibre server. Only the classic version.

Thanks for your help on this question.

Best regards,

Nico

BetterRed · 12-11-2018, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nic0

Hello,

I am researching documentation about adding a password to my local Calibre Database; is it a built-in feature ?

I do not use calibre server. Only the classic version.

Short answer - No

Why do you only want to protect the database file (metadata.db) and not the entire library folder? Anyone with half a brain could rebuild the database from the library subfolders with a single command.

Why not store the library in a directory that has access limited to password protected user accounts?

Or do a search for "XXXXX password protect folder", where XXXXX is Windows, MacOS, or Linux - try alternative solutions on a test library.

Password protection on folders often means encryption, which could have a deleterious affect on performance.

Or put the library on a thumb-drive which you keep in your pocket

BR

Nic0 · 12-11-2018, 05:53 PM

Hello BetterRed,

Thanks for your answer.

I am just an average user with Calibre so, yep, my first idea was to add a password on my library.

But as you point, adding permission could limit access to other user than me. However I do not totally agree with you on the USB stick. I bought some ebooks (~200) since several years, my idea was to protect these ebooks since I own them.

So loosing my usb stick could be an issue too. I will search for an alternative solution (such as Veracrypt or another way).

Best regards,

Nic0

fidvo · 12-11-2018, 08:01 PM

As BR said, password protecting your database doesn't protect your books. Since you mentioned VeraCrypt, I can confirm that this is a viable solution. I have Calibre Portable and my libraries on a Veracrypted external hard drive, and it works just fine.

You don't have to take it to that extreme; just put your library in a Veracrypt container on your hard drive. Of course, you'll have to start Veracrypt any time you want to run Calibre, but if you're willing to live with the extra step, there shouldn't be any other drawbacks.

svenlind · 12-12-2018, 06:01 AM

Thanks for mentioning VeraCrypt.

I have been using TrueCrypt for many years and have my Calibre Library and other stuff on a virtual drive.

I understand that VeraCrypt is a successor to TrueCrypt. I will take a closer look on VeraCrypt.

Nic0 · 12-12-2018, 01:03 PM

Hi team,

It seems for me a possible feature : adding encryption on library. What's your thought ?

Even if Truecrypt/Veracrypt is a little bit overkill (always starting veracrypt to unlock veracrypt volume)....

Nic0

DNSB · 12-14-2018, 12:13 AM

The SSD in my laptop is encrypted (OPAL) so I don't worry about encrypting individual files/folders--not my choice but a corporate decision to protect data as we had several laptops lost/stolen/whatever the correct term is for a person who leaves his laptop sitting on a seat at the airport while he heads over to Starbucks. The software we use to manage the encryption does constituted a single point of failure and we are rather paranoid about making sure that it is properly backed up. Not as big a worry in a non-corporate environment but we'd prefer not to have the chance to explain to a CxO that we can't retrieve that important file from his laptop.

12-11-2018, 04:19 PM	#1
Nic0 Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2018 Device: Kindle	Add a password to Calibre DB Hello, I am researching documentation about adding a password to my local Calibre Database; is it a built-in feature ? I do not use calibre server. Only the classic version. Thanks for your help on this question. Best regards, Nico

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12-11-2018, 05:53 PM	#3
Nic0 Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2018 Device: Kindle	Hello BetterRed, Thanks for your answer. I am just an average user with Calibre so, yep, my first idea was to add a password on my library. But as you point, adding permission could limit access to other user than me. However I do not totally agree with you on the USB stick. I bought some ebooks (~200) since several years, my idea was to protect these ebooks since I own them. So loosing my usb stick could be an issue too. I will search for an alternative solution (such as Veracrypt or another way). Best regards, Nic0

12-11-2018, 08:01 PM	#4
fidvo Addict Posts: 309 Karma: 1645952 Join Date: Jun 2012 Device: none	As BR said, password protecting your database doesn't protect your books. Since you mentioned VeraCrypt, I can confirm that this is a viable solution. I have Calibre Portable and my libraries on a Veracrypted external hard drive, and it works just fine. You don't have to take it to that extreme; just put your library in a Veracrypt container on your hard drive. Of course, you'll have to start Veracrypt any time you want to run Calibre, but if you're willing to live with the extra step, there shouldn't be any other drawbacks.

12-12-2018, 06:01 AM	#5
svenlind Fanatic Posts: 535 Karma: 10491221 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Denmark Device: Kobo: Clara BW, Libra 2,Sage. Kindle Oasis 3, Ipad Mini	Thanks for mentioning VeraCrypt. I have been using TrueCrypt for many years and have my Calibre Library and other stuff on a virtual drive. I understand that VeraCrypt is a successor to TrueCrypt. I will take a closer look on VeraCrypt.

12-12-2018, 01:03 PM	#6
Nic0 Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2018 Device: Kindle	Hi team, It seems for me a possible feature : adding encryption on library. What's your thought ? Even if Truecrypt/Veracrypt is a little bit overkill (always starting veracrypt to unlock veracrypt volume).... Nic0

12-14-2018, 12:13 AM	#7
DNSB Bibliophagist Posts: 46,190 Karma: 168983734 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Vancouver Device: Kobo Sage, Libra Colour, Lenovo M8 FHD, Paperwhite 4, Tolino epos	The SSD in my laptop is encrypted (OPAL) so I don't worry about encrypting individual files/folders--not my choice but a corporate decision to protect data as we had several laptops lost/stolen/whatever the correct term is for a person who leaves his laptop sitting on a seat at the airport while he heads over to Starbucks. The software we use to manage the encryption does constituted a single point of failure and we are rather paranoid about making sure that it is properly backed up. Not as big a worry in a non-corporate environment but we'd prefer not to have the chance to explain to a CxO that we can't retrieve that important file from his laptop.

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