[lotuseclat79]

Attack on computer memory reveals vulnerability of widely-used security systems
Article here.

A team of academic, industry and independent researchers has demonstrated a new class of computer attacks that compromise the contents of “secure” memory systems, particularly in laptops.

-- Tom

[tomdkat]

Wow, unbelievable!

EDIT: This story is being aired on the radio right now.

Peace...

[Lost in Here]

So if one wanted to could they just design a trojan horse RAM module that would store the keys if someone had access to the laptop?

[lotuseclat79]

Hi Lost in Here,

If a laptop is stolen, and the techniques applied per the article with the security measures mentioned - the data could easily be compromised as I understand it!

Safer more secure mechanisms need to be applied to the standard sleep or hibernation mode of laptop operation to make it bullet-proof to theft.

Note: wanting to do something and being able to are two separate things that take not only a lot of effort but creative talent directed to the dark side - not a very ethical undertaking for anyone in computing.

-- Tom

[Lost in Here]

Hi lotuseclat79

I was just musing.

I don't have the time, motivation or funding to create such a device, but I wouldn't be surprised if there are those out there interested in espionage (corporate or governmental) who might.

I just found it interesting that most disk encryption could be defeated by a RAM module (in theory) with an FPGA and a small flash memory module.

[jonmcc33]

Why do you think the government crushes, shreds and melts their classified information when it is destroyed? Encryption can always be broken, it's just a matter of time.