Re: encrypted file system in linux like XP

From: Kasper Dupont (kasperd_at_daimi.au.dk)
Date: 05/07/03 

Date: Wed, 07 May 2003 14:16:46 +0200

Daniel James wrote:
>
> In article <2gTta.77120$t_2.7266@afrodite.telenet-ops.be>, Fondula
> di Carceri wrote:
> > Ok, but how does this encrypted drive boot up to the point where
> > a password can be given? :)
>
> Typically a custom BIOS or bootloader, as you correctly surmise. A
> BIOS is nicer/more secure (you can do this with a PC expansion card
> that provides nothing more than a BIOS extension (but now we're
> talking hardware again <smile>)). You'd also need a custom driver
> for the disk unless you're using an OS that uses the BIOS for disk
> access (e.g. DOS).

I could imagine encryption built into the harddrive itself. It would
just need to be given a password on bootup, after that has happened
the encryption/decryption could be transparent to the OS. You will
still need a BIOS to prompt for the password or an unencrypted region
in the start of the harddisk. If I designed the drive, I'd leave the
first 125 cylinders unencrypted, and let the documentation tell the
user not to place sensitive data there. 

-- 
Kasper Dupont -- der bruger for meget tid på usenet.
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