CRYPTSETUP-LUKSHEADERBACKUP(8)                            Maintenance Commands

NAME
       cryptsetup-luksHeaderBackup - store a binary backup of the LUKS header
       and keyslot area

SYNOPSIS
       cryptsetup luksHeaderBackup --header-backup-file <file> [<options>]
       <device>

DESCRIPTION
       Stores a binary backup of the LUKS header and keyslot area.

       Using '-' as a filename writes the header backup to a file named '-'.

       The backup file and a passphrase valid at the time of backup allow
       decryption of the LUKS data area, even if the passphrase was later
       changed or removed from the LUKS device.  Note that with a header
       backup, you lose the ability to wipe the LUKS device securely by just
       overwriting the header and keyslots.  You must either securely erase
       all header backups or overwrite the encrypted data area.

       <options> can be [--header, --header-backup-file, --disable-locks].

OPTIONS
       --batch-mode, -q
           Suppresses all confirmation questions.  Use with care!

           If the --verify-passphrase option is not specified, this option
           also switches off the passphrase verification.

       --debug or --debug-json
           Run in debug mode with full diagnostic logs.  Debug output lines
           are always prefixed by #.

           If --debug-json is used, additional LUKS2 JSON data structures are
           printed.

       --disable-locks
           Disable lock protection for metadata on disk.  This option is valid
           only for LUKS2 and is ignored for other formats.

           WARNING: Do not use this option unless you run cryptsetup in a
           restricted environment where locking is impossible to perform
           (where /run directory cannot be used).

       --header <device or file storing the LUKS header>
           Use a detached (separated) metadata device or file where the LUKS
           header is stored.  This option allows one to store the ciphertext
           and LUKS header on different devices.

           For commands that change the LUKS header (e.g., luksAddKey),
           specify the device or file with the LUKS header directly as the
           LUKS device.

       --header-backup-file file
           Specify a file with the header backup file.

       --help, -?
           Show help text and default parameters.

       --usage
           Show short option help.

       --version, -V
           Show the program version.

REPORTING BUGS
       Report bugs at cryptsetup mailing list <cryptsetup@lists.linux.dev> or
       in Issues project section
       <https://gitlab.com/cryptsetup/cryptsetup/-/issues/new>.

       Please attach the output of the failed command with --debug option
       added.

SEE ALSO
       Cryptsetup FAQ
       <https://gitlab.com/cryptsetup/cryptsetup/wikis/FrequentlyAskedQuestions>

       cryptsetup(8), integritysetup(8) and veritysetup(8)

CRYPTSETUP
       Part of cryptsetup project <https://gitlab.com/cryptsetup/cryptsetup/>.

cryptsetup 2.8.1                  2025-08-13    CRYPTSETUP-LUKSHEADERBACKUP(8)