[Discuss] Full disk encryption, why bother?

[tmetro-blu at vl.com (Tom Metro)]

markw at mohawksoft.com wrote:
> I doubt it is as simple as a mere power plug. It seems to be able to
> act as a UPS when power loss is detected.

Presumably it would need UPS-like circuitry to synchronize the
synthesized waveform to the AC power, and activate the output when loss
of power was detected.

I wouldn't be surprised if an off-the-shelf UPS could be applied this
way. (With the aforementioned risks to your wellbeing.)


> ...scary as a way for "the man" to
> take your computer without powering it down.

Actually pretty easily thwarted if you anticipate it.

All you need is a few trip switches wired in series and to the reset
line on the motherboard. Say one on any removable panels, one with a
plunger protruding from the bottom the the case, and one to a mercury
switch located somewhere deep in the interior of the computer. Really,
the mercury switch is all you need, and it alone is less likely to be
noticed and bypassed. (Though the switches on the panels might still be
a good idea in case they attempt an on-the-spot memory dump. Although I
suppose if you've got Firewire, that can be done without opening the case.)

Of course if you live in earthquake country, be prepared for your server
to reboot on every tremor. :-)

 -Tom

-- 
Tom Metro
Venture Logic, Newton, MA, USA
"Enterprise solutions through open source."
Professional Profile: http://tmetro.venturelogic.com/