How can we hide a partition or even an entire HDD on Linux

Just as some of us have a secret place in the house where we can keep our valuables, others need such a hiding place on our PC storage device. It happens sometimes, for various reasons - either we don't want another person (s) with whom we share the PC to access and modify, delete or assimilate files whose content is very important, or pure and simply out of a desire for privacy - to want a space on the HDD that only we know about.

This is very easy to do on most GNU / Linux distributions. We can make certain partitions or even entire HDDs invisible from that distribution. Of course, this method of hiding is addressed to those who want the respective storage spaces not to be detected by the file managers and consider this measure sufficient.

1. The first step we will take is to open the "Disks" application. If you do not have it installed, it is usually available in the Software Center and extremely easy to install. Sometimes we find it in the Software Center under the name "Gnome Disk Utility" depending on the distribution we use.

2. In the next step, we must select from the left side of the application window the HDD (if we have several partitions on that HDD, we must choose one in the diagram displayed on the right side) or the partition we want to make invisible. Then we have to click on the gear button below that diagram.

3. When we click on that button with gears, a menu opens from which we will choose "Edit Mount Options ...". A new window will open.

4. The first time we have to move the switch from "Automatic Mount Options" to the OFF position and all the options below will be activated. Now we don't have to uncheck the boxes next to "Mount at startup" and "Show in user interface" and click on the "OK" button. You will be asked to enter the password. And the mission is accomplished. That partition or HDD should no longer be viewable or accessible from the file manager. An advantage, in addition to the ease of the procedure, is the fact that it has an immediate effect, without the need for a restart.

That partition or HDD can be made visible again from this application and the password needs to be entered again. Therefore, those who do not know the password cannot make changes to the operating system, one of the reasons why GNU / Linux systems have a higher degree of security.

However, proceed with caution, as it is not at all advisable to "unmount" the partition on which the operating system used at that time is installed.