Camouflage Encryption

Not speaking of steganographics, which as I understand (could sure be wrong) is used only for really small files, but rather large file/partition/hdd encryption - TB or more.

Since the use of any encryption program nowadays naturally throws up a red flag, is it possible (kindly don't laugh) to encrypt with TC, for example, and then camouflage the encrypted TC volume in some way

-or-

use a straight camouflage encryption program only for large files.

I understand that even bringing encrypted company files, for example, through immigration, throws up a flag for the Orwellians who will then require you to show them your personal info.

My thinking is that if they don't see anything at all on the computer that even smells like encryption, you should be "good to go" as they say.

Now before you jump on me and question to what degree I am an actual idiot (pretty darned close to 100%), please allow me to say that I'm going to be having knee surgery and while I'm laid up will read everything on this forum - Everything!

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Separate question and hair-raising concern: I recently read where the NSA, et. al. have required all makers of encryption programs to provide them with the keys. Is that true?

 

Re: Camoflage Encryption

According to their website, OpenPuff supports up to 256 MB of hidden data in a set of files, which should be enough for most personal secrets. Wikipedia states no theoretical limit as long as you have enough decoys. It's the best steganography program that I know of.

TrueCrypt supports Hidden Volumes (and even Hidden OS FDE), which may be what you're looking for. It's not undetectable, but may fool them when you're forced to give up the password regardless.

 

Re: Camoflage Encryption

Not really. Encrypted data appears as uniformly random data. There is really no way to prove that a file is encrypted (unless there are headers). Truecrypt doesn't use headers, so the file (or disk or whatever) appears as nothing but random noise. There is no way to prove that random noise is encrypted data, though it is certainly reasonable to believe it is.

There's two issues here. If you're going through customs and the agents look at your laptop and see a ".tc" file that cannot be opened, then it is very reasonable for them to assume it is indeed encrypted data and they may be able to compel you to decrypt it. But if you're using hidden partitions or just a partition that is fully encrypted, then it will be difficult for them to prove it is encrypted data.

 

Re: Camoflage Encryption

For travel, the best practice is putting the data that you'll need online is a secure way/place. Hardware options include: 1) carrying a freshly-installed system that's ready for use, but otherwise clean; 2) carrying a new machine in original package with all needed software on CDs/DVDs; and 3) buying a new machine when you arrive, and just carrying all needed software on CDs/DVDs.

 

Re: Camoflage Encryption

Or just name a larger file "Julie's Softball Game 07-2013.mp4" You shouldn't be using the .tc extension anyway. Remember, it's not like they do a forensic examination of every laptop and tablet that passes through customs.

 

Re: Camoflage Encryption

That's if you're plotting the destruction of the Universe.

 

Re: Camoflage Encryption

Very helpful comment indeed ...
It really doesn't matter if you use the .tc extension or not,
that .mp4 isn't going to play anyway .

And IF they do even a superficial forensic analysis they WILL find all the encrypted 'random garbage' .

 

Re: Camoflage Encryption

Actually, I gather that corporations take such steps for staff in hostile environments. So plotting a new smartphone might be a good-enough reason

 

Re: Camoflage Encryption

I did that as an emperiment and it does make a TC file look like a video. But when I ran cleaners it would always corrupt it somehow. So it would no longer work.