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by ZoFreX
4049 days ago
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> Full-disk encryption is something people want even if they don't realize it. Really? Because it has very limited security advantages, and very real performance impact on many systems. Android L came with it enabled by default and it cut performance in half on devices that weren't designed for it. And why would Joe Public want it? This is something with so many caveats that DPR, a paranoid computer expert with quite a lot to hide, gained no protection from it whatsoever. So what are the odds a regular user will use it correctly and benefit from it? |
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1) it has real security advantages, because your PC or device is a single point of failure - lose your (unencrypted) device and the thief can gain access to everything, including your email account, your facebook, your bank account, etc... and for example AES-256 with a good enough password is unbreakable.
2) On the desktop if you have an Intel processor with the AES-NI instructions set, then you won't notice a speed hit. Core i5 is such a processor. And I own a Nexus 6 device that came encrypted by default, never felt sluggish and I have it filled with music, games, presentations and maps.
3) I don't know whom DPR is, however in the US people are protected against key disclosure with the fifth amendment. Of course, the technology is relatively new and the fifth has yet to be proven in court against key disclosure, however there are cases in which this constitutional right has been upheld [1]. And while in many countries you may not be able to resist a court order, you may be able to resist unwarranted searches or seizures; which is still useful, because ...
4) Most people have something to hide and that's undeniable. Even if you're willing to fully cooperate with the authorities, it is undeniable that most public workers are incompetents. So placing your trust in such individuals is very dangerous for one's self being. Let me give you an example ... because of an incompetent public worker, my personal identification details and home address ended up in a local newspaper. That's how identities can be stoles and lifes can be ruined, OK?
Now - do you really want to place your trust, your data (like 10 years old pictures, emails describing your love affairs, search history describing your most secret desires, etc..) into the hands of such people? You'd have to be a fool to wish for this. At least wait for the FBI to come ;-)
5) I'm sick and tired of the "Joe Public" fallacy. People are really not that dumb.
[1] https://www.eff.org/press/releases/appeals-court-upholds-con...