Disk encryption and remote-unlock planning
Plan encryption keys, remote unlock, backups and recovery for a Linux VPS without confusing at-rest protection with running-host security.
What should I check before using LUKS on a VPS?
Keep control of keys and recovery
Choose where the unlock credential lives, who can use it and how you will recover it. A forgotten key can make encrypted data unavailable. Keep recovery copies separate from the instance and protect them from unauthorised access. Do not send keys in support messages.
Test the complete restart path
Remote unlock requires a compatible boot and networking arrangement. Confirm the image and console options for your selected plan before purchase. Test that you can reconnect and unlock after a restart before making the machine the only copy of a working service.
Know what disk encryption protects
The cryptsetup FAQ (version 2.4.0) discusses key access on active systems. Stored ciphertext and a running, unlocked workload have different exposure. A claim that the provider can never inspect any data does not follow just from choosing LUKS.
Use system hardening and independent backups alongside encryption.