# Clevis

Clevis is a Key Management product. It runs on-premises. Pricing is free.

Clevis is a pluggable framework that enables automated decryption of data and LUKS volumes through a pin-based plugin system.

Checked October 2026.

## What is Clevis?

Clevis is a pluggable framework designed for automated decryption of data and LUKS volumes. The framework operates through a pin-based system where each pin functions as a plugin that implements specific decryption logic.

The tool provides command-line functionality for both encryption and decryption operations. For encryption, users can execute commands to encrypt plaintext data into JWE (JSON Web Encryption) format. The decryption process reverses this operation, converting encrypted JWE files back to plaintext.

Clevis utilizes a configuration system where JSON objects are passed to pins to establish the necessary parameters for encryption and decryption processes. This approach allows for flexible automation of decryption workflows without requiring manual intervention.

The framework supports LUKS volume unlocking, enabling automated access to encrypted storage volumes. This capability is particularly useful in scenarios where automated system boot processes or service initialization requires access to encrypted data without user interaction.

Tags: Encryption, Linux

## Where it fits in your security program (NIST CSF 2.0)

- [Protect](https://cybersectools.com/guides/building-protect-program-small-team): helps you prevent attacks and keep data safe.

## Quick facts

- Category: [Data Protection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/data-protection) · [Key Management](https://cybersectools.com/categories/key-management)
- Deployment: On-Premises
- Company size fit: Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise
- Pricing model: Free
- GitHub stars: 1,159
- Website: github.com

## Where it ranks

Clevis is not a pick on the current [Best Key Management Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-key-management-solutions).

## Clevis FAQ

### What is Clevis?

Clevis is a product in the Key Management category. It covers Encryption and Linux.

### What is the pricing for Clevis?

Clevis is free. Download and setup instructions are at https://github.com/latchset/clevis/.

### What are alternatives to Clevis?

Alternatives to Clevis listed on CybersecTools:

1. [EPICOM EP543IC](https://cybersectools.com/tools/epicom-ep543ic) - Centralized management center for maintaining networks of EPICOM IP encryptors (Commercial)
2. [AWS Key Management Service](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aws-key-management-service) - A cloud-based key management service for encrypting and digitally signing data. (Commercial)
3. [Alibaba Cloud Cloud Hardware Security Module](https://cybersectools.com/tools/alibaba-cloud-elastic-compute-service) - Cloud-hosted HSM service for key management and cryptographic operations on Alibaba Cloud. (Commercial)
4. [Penta Security D.AMO Key Management System (KMS)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/penta-security-damo-key-management-system-kms) - Enterprise key management system for encryption key lifecycle management (Commercial)
5. [Thales CipherTrust Manager](https://cybersectools.com/tools/thales-ciphertrust-manager) - Enterprise key management solution for centralized encryption key lifecycle mgmt (Commercial)

Compare all Clevis alternatives at [https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/clevis](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/clevis)

### What deployment and organization size does Clevis fit?

Clevis is available as on-premises software. It is listed for startups, small businesses, mid-market companies and enterprises. It is free.

## Compare Clevis with similar solutions

- [Clevis vs EPICOM EP543IC](https://cybersectools.com/compare/clevis-vs-epicom-ep543ic)
- [Clevis vs AWS Key Management Service](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-key-management-service-vs-clevis)
- [Clevis vs Alibaba Cloud Cloud Hardware Security Module](https://cybersectools.com/compare/alibaba-cloud-elastic-compute-service-vs-clevis)

All alternatives to Clevis: [/alternatives/clevis](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/clevis)

---

Source: https://cybersectools.com/tools/clevis

For AI agents: every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md, and any compare page has a Markdown copy too (add .md to its URL).

More on Clevis: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=product-md