Hi There, I was wondering if anyone knows a way to create a hidden volume, giving me "plausible deniability" whenever I'm forced, let say, at some paranoiac border (e.g. USA, Canada, China), to reveal the my pass phrase, like Truecrypt is able to do on a Windows based system? It doesn't necessarily have to be TrueCrypt, but any other method or software ending in me having a Linux based system running with a hidden volume is wanted. Just to be sure that my question is correctly interpreted. I would like to have 2 different pass phrases. The first is for opening a "work" system that holds data that doesn't need protection. The other is for opening a "hidden" system that holds data that DOES need protection. Thanks
I would say up to know it would still be enough to have dualboot... make a small partition with windows and set it to boot default, set grub timeout very low... then install a few legal programs... add a few documents and family pictures.... I'm pretty sure that would be enough for most border controls :9
Dual boot? Are you willing to bet your life on it? I think not. The world is a bad place and beside me and you, hiding some personal data (like surfing habits or other meaningless crap), there are a lot of people targeted and harassed by governments or secret agencies. These people are in constant danger and need a solution where the entire hard disk is encrypted. Within the encrypted volume, is a hidden volume and only accessible using a second password. Anyone using forensic software can examine the disk from front till end, but the hidden volume stays hidden since all data is encrypted with the same algorithm. Without prior knowledge of a hidden volume, the owner of such an encrypted system is able to open the system for all eyes to see (the outer volume). Because of this, anyone who's forced in opening the system can comply without any fingers being chopped off. The crucial information, leading to one's certain death sentence is safely stored in the hidden volume (inner volume). Still, they could force you to open the hidden volume, but since there is no way in hell to prove the existence of the hidden volume, thus plausible deniability gives you a second chance in life.. with all fingers still attached. Now, there are some stories of people being forced in disclosing the content of their laptops at the border. They will copy and store all data as long as they like and examine it until the end of time. They will profile you, what could lead to unwanted situations at the next border crossing. Getting stigmatized is easier then ever before. I'm not willing to sacrifice my freedom because my behavior or opinions are viewed by others as weird, perverted, revolutionary, treacherous, or even criminal... or too gay, too Jewish, too black, too "whatever".. they can use to make you stand on a box with electric wires attached to your bal... fingers. The Orwellian society has been here for years now and the "thought police" sees us all a threat to its existence. Sounds grim, but sadly truthful.
Hahahaha.. you're right! Problem solved! But seriously, one might be born in a country where human rights are never heard off, until some western tourist poison's the naive minds of the rural people. Luckily great leader, Kim Jung-il is keeping these white devils and their liberal western lies away from harming the nation like he does with basic health care, education and food. I was born in a democracy and still live in the same country, but I never have trusted or will trust the powers that be. I do not have to fear for finger chopping goons, but the system is rigid and once accused is the death sentence for the life I've come to enjoy. I can name numerous cases of wrongfully accused that lost it all, thanks to tunnel vision of police and the ministry of justice. Freedom is never given, but always taken.
