Re: Hard Drive Booby Trap

From: S.Heenan (SusanH705removethis_at_hotmail.com)
Date: 06/10/03 

Date: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 10:27:47 GMT

Goober wrote:
> Is it possible to booby trap your hard drive?
>
> I've heard of an actual physical degausser which will demagnetize
> the plates in your hard drive. It mounts inside the case.
>
> But I'm interested in knowing if there is a software that will
> erase your hard drive when it is accessed with out your permission?
>
> Obviously if one had important financial, personal information
> that they didn't want others to view this could be a choice.
> File Hiders can be overcome. Any thoughts?

Lots of software exists to overwrite data. Given time and enough overwrites,
data recovery isn't likely. The problem is the amount of time it takes. In
theory, only physical destruction of the platters would be sufficient. A
more practical method would be to use strong encryption and a removeable
harddrive caddy. 

-- 
The gene pool needs more chlorine.