Can full disk encryption be removed?

Amdx2_x64 · 11-14-2010, 10:07 PM

I had asked a question at another forum about cloning my Linux install, which is all encrypted (except for boot of course.)

While I waited I do what I usually do and Scroogled my question to see what, if anything, I could find. I do know about cold boot attacks. But I ran across a couple of posts/websites that had me wonder if it is possible, without the passphrase, to just remove the encryption? This sounds crazy to me, but these days I thought I would ask just in case, lol.

macemoneta · 11-14-2010, 10:33 PM

Removing the encryption is easy, just format the partition.

Amdx2_x64 · 11-14-2010, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macemoneta

Removing the encryption is easy, just format the partition.

LOL. Ok, I should have worded that differently huh.

I should have said, "remove the encryption and access the data."

stress_junkie · 11-14-2010, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amdx2_x64

But I ran across a couple of posts/websites that had me wonder if it is possible, without the passphrase, to just remove the encryption

The encryption wouldn't be worth anything if that were possible.

Amdx2_x64 · 11-15-2010, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stress_junkie

The encryption wouldn't be worth anything if that were possible.

Those where my thoughts. If it was easy or extremely hard, the fact that it was possible would make encryption useless. However since I heard it I thought I had better ask. To at least kill any rumors I may hear in the future.