Security Basics mailing list archives

RE: password protect encrypted directory


From: "Ted Yavuzkurt" <element0 () phreaker net>
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2004 15:30:25 -0400

 
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I use PGP Disk to encrypt data - it works wonders.

With PGP the directory will appear to be empty unless you mount it. 
It also auto unmounts volumes after a specified period of time.  What
I've found to be especially handy with PGP disks is the way you can
create a sort of "panic button" that will forcibly unmount the disk
even if it has files open.

One thing you have to watch out for though is opening the files on
the PGP disk.  Some programs may create cached versions of documents
that will persist after the disk is unmounted.

As far as NTFS security goes, encrypted files remain encrypted unless
you know the original password they were encrypted with...however
cracking those passwords is often not terribly difficult and the
encryption is weak and prone to the previously mentioned
vulnerabilities.

Good luck.

- -Ted
- - -----Original Message-----
From: fiber [mailto:mynameisfiber () gmail com]
Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2004 11:32 AM
To: security-basics () securityfocus com
Subject: Re: password protect encrypted directory

i think the best option out of all of the suggested was Thomas
Evans'.  

using NTFS security is like wrapping it in paper and hoping no one
sees it: when you start up with a boot disk there is no NEED to crack
the admin password, all the things that keep the security system in
tact are not on and you can browse the hard drive free.

with PGP you can ensure that even if everything is STOLEN it will not
be read (assuming you keep good passphrase's and treat it as sacredly
as a password).

hope this helps!

- - -fiber

On Mon, 16 Aug 2004 23:22:39 +0200, Hugo Deckx <hugo.deckx () skynet be>
wrote:
All,

The best product I found so far to protect folders but also files 
(based on
extension) is called C4-Polytrust
More info at http://www.polytrust.com and http://www.safeboot.com/

SC Award Best Encryption Solution 2004

Rgs,
Hugo Deckx
Corporate IT Security & Computer Forensic Manager Belgacom nv
Belgium   Telecom Operator mailto:hugo.deckx () belgacom be Phone
+3222024914




-----Original Message-----
From: Thomas T. Evans, III [mailto:ttevans () hawkcorp net]
Sent: 16 August 2004 15:01
To: 'Dana Rawson'; security-basics () securityfocus com
Subject: RE: password protect encrypted directory

Dana:

Depending on how far you want to go, PGP will allow you to create a
  mountable volume that is encrypted and needs a password to view.
The  volume is not visible unless mounted, if I recall correctly.
That  should be pretty secure.

Thomas T. Evans, III CCNA
Senior Network Manager
Hawk Corporation
ttevans () hawkcorp net
216-267-7787 Ext. 500
Cell: 440-669-2526
Fax: 917-464-7241
President, MFG/Pro Midwest User Group

"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has 
limits" --Albert Einstein
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Dana Rawson [mailto:absolutezero273c () nzoomail com]
Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2004 12:38 PM
To: security-basics () securityfocus com
Subject: password protect encrypted directory

G'Day, all.

Hope this isn't too basic of an issue but I wanted to ask for your 
direction if possible.

Preface: I have directory which contains sensitive data on a w2k/xp
 laptop. I have the directory and files residing within encrypted.

Issue: I would like to password protect this directory so even the 
user who is logged into this profile is prompted for a password
prior   to gaining access to this data.

Desired outcome: By accomplishing this (if possible) I wish to deny
  access to this data via remote entry/being hacked, and also
protect   the data should the laptop be stolen, or someone walks
away from their   computer without locking it (i.e. ctrl-alt-del)
leaving it wide open   for someone to sit down and start playing.

Is this something that can be accomplished?  Is there commercial or
  opensource software available?

I have found software on the web that states it can password
protect a   directory, but with out installing and testing all of
them how can I   know if it most secure?  Has anyone tested or
reviewed this type of  software?

Is anyone familiar with this that might make a recommendation?

Thanks again in advance for your time.

Regards,

Dana

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are guaranteed to be 12 students or less to facilitate one-on-one
interaction with one of our expert instructors. Gain the in-demand skills of
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