RE: How to Test HDD Encryption

[Eric White <ewhite () ssc wisc edu>]

Hello,

This may be a naïve question, but what sort of threats are defended by
file-based encryption when used in the manner you suggest?

Thanks,

Eric


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Eric White                           


-----Original Message-----
From: listbounce () securityfocus com [mailto:listbounce () securityfocus com] On
Behalf Of jfvanmeter () comcast net
Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 9:43 AM
To: infosecofficer () gmail com; security-basics () securityfocus com
Subject: Re: How to Test HDD Encryption

Hello Samir, you should sign up to the Full Disk Encryption  mail list @
http://www.xml-dev.com/mailman/listinfo/fde

Here is my two shiny centavos on Full Disk Encryption, 

I believe it protects the data when its at rest, but once the OS is mounted
then all bets are off because the OS is now handling access to any file. So
you would need some type of file encryption software like PGP or EFS.

If you don't use a pre-boot log on, if I have access to the laptop  I could
boot to an alternative OS, reset the administrators password, reboot, log in
as the administrator and have full access to the files. 

Again this is just my two shiny centavos --John

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: infosecofficer () gmail com
> Hi
>
>  
>
> How can we ascertain that the encryption software we have selected is 
> doing its jobs.
>
> A small test like removing the hdd of an encrypted laptop and 
> attaching it as an external drive on another laptop shows the drive as 
> unformatted. So far So Good..
>
>  
>
> But is there any tool available to demonstrate to the management that 
> even the professionals cannot break in even if they lay their hands on 
> the drive physically.
>
>  
>
> I am basically trying to make a case to push for drive encryption in 
> our organization.
>
>  
>
> Please group suggest something.....
>
>  
>
>  
>
> Best Regards
>
>  
>
> Samir

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