The FBI can't crack hard drive encryption

**SMOKEU** · 17th December 2010, 21:09

In an announcement sure to please encryption happy folks, the FBI is not able to decrypt a hard drive.

The hard drive is that of Daniel Dantas, a banker who is currently suspected of fraud. Decryption techniques were used by both the FBI and Rio De Janeiro police.

Encryption basically scrambles your hard drive making it impossible to access anything on it without a password. When the correct password is given all the data is reorganized making it possible to view and edit files.

The program used to encrypt the harddrive is called "TrueCrypt" and is available free online HERE.

Decryption was first attempted by police in Rio De Janeiro in 2008 but was handed to the FBI after it failed. The FBI attempted a "dictionary" attack that uses common passwords and police data to try to force it's way through.

Currently there is no law in Canada the USA or Brazil that would force manufacturers or the suspect to give the password.

http://www.geek-juice.net/2010/06/fb...ncryption.html

**Gremlin** · 18th December 2010, 00:15

That's pretty funny, even more so as I have been using the software for years. Some client laptops also have the software to keep vital data more secure.

Just don't attempt to encrypt your OS partition aye? Create a crypt within a partition and put files inside.

**pete376403** · 19th December 2010, 20:23

Pointsec encrypts the OS partition and is reportedly uncrackable. (Any opinions on this?) Pointsec themselves say there is no way to recover a drive if the password is unknown. One of my customers uses it, and I heard the NZ Police were looking at using it as well.
Not free, though

**phaedrus** · 19th December 2010, 22:29

unbreakable encryption eh?

**p.dath** · 20th December 2010, 07:52

Interesting, I didn't know that some Intel CPUs had AES instructions built into them.

**RideLife** · 20th December 2010, 07:53

how do I encrypted, or even just put a password on my Silicon Power memory stick?
Nothing I try seems to work. Do I need to password it Before I put any info on it?
Thanks.
Racey.

**Slyer** · 20th December 2010, 08:19

Try the truecrypt program like in the original post.

**Usarka** · 20th December 2010, 08:32

Originally Posted by SMOKEU

Currently there is no law in Canada the USA or Brazil that would force manufacturers or the suspect to give the password.

There's been lots of changes to our laws in this area, i'd be surprised if we'd have the right to remain silent on passwords if suspected of something dodgy...... (anyone know for surez?)

**Gremlin** · 20th December 2010, 11:36

Since they can't torture you, depending on how naughty you have been, you still don't give them the password.

I use it myself, and for clients, to secure company files and information.

**Ronin** · 20th December 2010, 12:03

There was an article on this not long ago. What they did was get a court order requirering the release of the key. When the suspect would not give it to them they simply threw him in jail for contempt. Interesting thing contempt. It can be indefinate.

**Juzz976** · 20th December 2010, 12:33

Originally Posted by SMOKEU

In an announcement sure to please encryption happy folks, the FBI is not able to decrypt a hard drive.

The hard drive is that of Daniel Dantas, a banker who is currently suspected of fraud. Decryption techniques were used by both the FBI and Rio De Janeiro police.

Encryption basically scrambles your hard drive making it impossible to access anything on it without a password. When the correct password is given all the data is reorganized making it possible to view and edit files.

The program used to encrypt the harddrive is called "TrueCrypt" and is available free online HERE.

Decryption was first attempted by police in Rio De Janeiro in 2008 but was handed to the FBI after it failed. The FBI attempted a "dictionary" attack that uses common passwords and police data to try to force it's way through.

Currently there is no law in Canada the USA or Brazil that would force manufacturers or the suspect to give the password.

http://www.geek-juice.net/2010/06/fb...ncryption.html

Good news for you then, wont have to worry about them finding your jail bait stash.

**SMOKEU** · 20th December 2010, 12:37

Originally Posted by Juzz976

Good news for you then, wont have to worry about them finding your jail bait stash.

I have nothing to hide. It's not kiddy porn so I'm not doing anything illegal.

http://www.reddit.com/r/jailbait

**Juzz976** · 20th December 2010, 12:50

Originally Posted by SMOKEU

I have nothing to hide. It's not kiddy porn so I'm not doing anything illegal.

http://www.reddit.com/r/jailbait

I know, it just seems more incriminating when you have to defend yourself.

ahh well, must go get my daily wheelie fix....

**imdying** · 20th December 2010, 15:56

Don't tell them you won't give them the password, tell them you have forgotten it. One they can nail you on, the other they can't prove one way or the other.

**p.dath** · 20th December 2010, 15:56

I'm reasonably sure that some legislation came into force last year in New Zealand that requires you to divulge any encryption keys when ordered by the court (which the Police can request).

Failure to comply with the court order could easily result in jail time.

So you have to decide between an indefinite stay in jail, or giving up the encryption keys.