An Important Fact Regarding Encryption Protection
It has been recently discovered that the long-entrusted encryption tools may no longer protect confidential data against hackers. So, beware if your computer or laptop has been stolen. Even a gust of cold air could be enough to crack your PC’s encrypted hard drive.
Princeton University scientists have explored the fact that safety and security of company trade secrets, national security documents and personal banking data cannot be guaranteed as long as any hackers are physically able to access the computers. For that matter, confidential and vital information can also be stolen from the laptops and computers that are sent for repairs.
If the RAM (Random Access Memory) chip of a computer is cooled down to minus fifty degrees Celsius, it is able to retain data for quite some time after the machine has lost power. The cooling process can be carried out by spraying a multipurpose duster spray straight onto the memory chip using an upside-down canister.
The keys for unlocking the encryption can be obtained from the data retained in the memory chip. During this critical period, hackers are able to steal data before it gets purged. This is done by rebooting the system with a program that copies the contents. If a computer was left in sleep or hibernation mode when it was stolen, the risk of data being hacked is comparatively higher.
Even a moderately-skilled hacker has ability to bypass renowned encryption tools like FileVault, BitLocker, dm-crypt and TrueCrypt.