RE: RE: How to Test HDD Encryption

["Craig Wright" <Craig.Wright () bdo com au>]

Please explain how you propose to determine the difference between encryption and obfuscation using PSK. 
Please explain the relivance at all of the write blocker comment. This is not a forensic capture - it is testing 
encrpytion. It is an internal job and unrelated to any forensic exercise.
 
Explain if you will how you intend to determine if I have for instance used strong crypto and not a home made 4 bit DES 
variant using the tools that come with PSK to determine this. 
 
Statistical methods will (at times) AID in the determination of crypto (and very occasionally an indictation of type) 
by looking at the distribution of noise etc. I see no tools for this on PSK.
 
Regards,
Dr Craig Wright (GSE-Compliance)



Craig Wright
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________________________________


From: listbounce () securityfocus com on behalf of anymouse () acme inc
Sent: Wed 14/11/2007 3:12 AM
To: security-basics () securityfocus com
Subject: Re: RE: How to Test HDD Encryption



Yeah, I use Penguin Sleuth Kit or Encase to inspect it, but unless you're au-fait with computer forensics and can 
differentiate between encryption and obfuscation oh and and happen to have a forensic workstation or write-blocker then 
proxy the problem by using a reputable solution (e.g. something with Common Criteria validation) in a manner consistent 
with their recommended practices.

Translation - Gain confidence by buy something good that's been independently tested ideally used by government bodies, 
and be sure to use it in the manner the vendor suggests. And get your boss to sign-off that he/she's happy with this 
proxy approach.