Apple FileVault 2 encryption cracked by forensic software

Users warned to deactivate automatic login

The encryption keys for Apple's FileVault 2 full-disk encryption used with OS X Lion can be recovered "in minutes" from memory, password-cracking outfit Passware has announced.

The latest version of the company's Passware Kit Forensic, v11.4, could extract the keys using a 'live memory acquisition' technique that sucked out a memory image via FireWire for analysis.

When the company says "minutes," it means around 40 minutes on average, but success was still possible regardless of the length or complexity of the password used, Passware said.

The announcement builds on the same product's ability to recover Apple OS X logins in addition to those of Microsoft's BitLocker encryption and the open source tool TrueCrypt.

The technique requires certain conditions to work, starting with the computer being turned on and logged in; the FileVault, BitLocker or TrueCrypt keys have to be in memory for Passware Kit Forensic to be able to extract them.

Put another way, the product cannot extract encryption keys on static data or before the keys have been summoned as part of the logging-in process. As long as the login is not automatic users should be safe.

In the case of FireVault, hackers also need to get to the memory contents through a working FireWire port so remote access is not possible.

"Live memory analysis opens up great possibilities to password recovery and decryption. Every user should be aware that even full disk encryption is insecure while the data rests in computer memory," said Passware's president, Dmitry Sumin, who believed the product would appeal to forensic specialists looking for a way past encryption.

Passware Kit Forensic costs $995, including one year of updates.

Tags: Apple, Microsoft, Passware, Personal Tech, security

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Clearswift tips: Guidelines for introducing and policing an effective IT Policy

1. Make it clear that the policy is not about playing ‘Big Brother’ but to ensure the security of employees, company information and data and to safeguard the company’s reputation.
2. Invest time to get buy-in from managers and their teams.
3. Convey the message of flexibility – with regard to social media, it is not about blocking staff usage but working in everyone’s interests to ensure that threats are contained.
4. Introduce a regular company-wide training programme that everyone attends at regular intervals throughout the year, not merely as part of an induction programme.
5. Within the training programme make sure that there are specific examples to demonstrate each rule or regulation, and that there is a clear explanation of the dangers of casual or careless talk on social networking sites. Again use examples, employees need to understand the consequences of raising a throwaway comment that has negative connotations for the business, as much as they need to be aware of dangers of making a more direct but ill-considered attack on a competitor, regulator or even a fellow colleague. They need to be clearly advised on any impact on the company and/or legal action or inquires that may be raised as a result.
6. Alert employees to any changes in policy through regular clear communication.
7. Reinforce the operational policy guidelines regularly, cover everything from blogging to Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
8. Ensure that the rules are fair and that they apply throughout the business.
9. Enforce the rules – if there is a deliberate or malicious contravening, disciplinary action needs to be taken. A policy isn’t worth having if it is seen to be lax and unenforced.
10. Review the policy regularly to ensure you keep up to date with new systems and technology.

Phil Vasic is Regional Director, APAC, at Clearswift, the software security company www.clearswift.com
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