Re: EFS - Please help to unsecure data

From: Galen (galennews_at_gmail.com)
Date: 02/06/05 

Date: Sun, 6 Feb 2005 04:20:59 -0500

In news:%23RTRO57CFHA.3976@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl,
 781 <lets@have.org> had this to say:

> I have been formatting my HD for couple of times and did not have a
> problem like this.
> I have encrypted some folders with VERY important files on it and
> have never had access problems with it. After each format I would go
> into G partition and set myself as an owner.
> After that I would have access to my files.
> I have now reformatted my drive for the 3rd time. This time, somehow
> I am unable to gain access to my files: Access Denied.
> Please show me a way to get these before I pull all my hair off my
> head. Thank you, and appreciate your help.
> G

Before you give up all hope and believe that the encryption used by Windows
is 'unbreakable' you can start at a search engine and look up EFS decryption
software for instance. There are tools available for this and some of them
even work. The encryption isn't really that strong at all and a decent
computer could probably 'brute force' the key in a short time. Here's a link
to a TRIAL version of one such application:

http://www.crackpassword.com/advanced_efs_data_recovery.html

While there's some moral qualms about giving out this sort of information
you could easily find that same link by heading to your favorite search
engine and entering in the correct data. In the past I've come across a
couple of freeware versions of EFS Decryption tools but, alas, none of the
links come to mind at this point. There's a trial version here that seems to
be limited in some ways. What the limits are I do not know. However,
assuming that the trial does indeed prove that it works if it won't recover
your files the price that they're charging is well worth the recovery of 11
years of data. It's fortunate that EFS isn't really as strong as people
think or you'd probably not be able to recover the work. While you're in a
search engine you might want to take a few minutes to learn about some of
your other options that are stronger and store the keys internally (and
different keys for each individual file) and require passwords to open.
There's a number of freeware/shareware/payware applications available so I'm
not going to recommend a specific software vendor. A good thing to keep in
mind, should you look into additional encryption options, is to make sure
that you do things like use strong passwords of 8 to 12 characters using
both alphanumeric characters and special symbols. While it doesn't insure
that your data is 'unbreakable' it does mean that it's more difficult for
someone to brute force the file and gain access to your secure data.

Galen 

-- 
"My mind rebels at stagnation. Give me problems, give me work, give me
the most abstruse cryptogram or the most intricate analysis, and I am
in my own proper atmosphere. I can dispense then with artificial
stimulants. But I abhor the dull routine of existence. I crave for
mental exaltation." -- Sherlock Holmes

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Unable to Decrypt Encrypted files
    ... Since the original account information in unavailable, there is no way to recover any of your encryption certificates. ... keys his data is gone. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin)
  • RE: Email Encryption Between Servers
    ... Secure E-mail, PGP, secure web server, ... Are the doctors going to have separate keys for each provider, doctor, ... desktop e-mail encryption, enterprise e-mail encryption. ... manage key exchange, staff training, ...
    (Security-Basics)
  • Re: EFS - Please help to unsecure data
    ... Before you give up all hope and believe that the encryption used by Windows ... links come to mind at this point. ... think or you'd probably not be able to recover the work. ... different keys for each individual file) and require passwords to open. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: EFS - Please help to unsecure data
    ... Before you give up all hope and believe that the encryption used by Windows ... links come to mind at this point. ... think or you'd probably not be able to recover the work. ... different keys for each individual file) and require passwords to open. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: EFS - Please help to unsecure data
    ... be mostly based on your chances of recovering your lost keys. ... I should know before the end of the day today if I'm even able to recover ... the data after a fresh installation and generating some random drive ... to FAT32 to remove the encryption.) ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)