linux-kernel - Re: [PATCH v2] modsign: use shred to overwrite the private key before deleting it

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Date:	Sun, 25 Jan 2015 02:13:39 +0000
From:	Pádraig Brady <P@...igBrady.com>
To:	Alexander Holler <holler@...oftware.de>,
	linux-kernel@...r.kernel.org
CC:	linux-kbuild@...r.kernel.org, Michal Marek <mmarek@...e.cz>,
	David Howells <dhowells@...hat.com>,
	Linus Torvalds <torvalds@...ux-foundation.org>
Subject: Re: [PATCH v2] modsign: use shred to overwrite the private key before
 deleting it

On 24/01/15 12:29, Alexander Holler wrote:
> Am 24.01.2015 um 13:09 schrieb Alexander Holler:
>> Am 24.01.2015 um 12:37 schrieb Alexander Holler:
>>> Am 24.01.2015 um 11:45 schrieb Alexander Holler:
>>>
>>>> It uses shred, in the hope it will somedays learn how to shred stuff on
>>>> FLASH based devices securely too, once that has become possible.
>>>
>>> BTW: This is a good example where technology failed to keep the needs of
>>> users in mind.
>>
>> Failed completely.
>>
>> Since ever it's a problem for people to securely delete files on storage.
>>
>> Also it should be very simple to securely erase files on block based
>> devices, people have to try cruel ways in the hope to get securely rid
>> of files nobody else should be able to see ever again.
>>
>> It's almost unbelievable how completely the IT industry (including the
>> field I'm working myself: SW) failed in regard to that since 30 years or
>> even more.
> 
> And it isn't such that this is a new requirement. Humans are doing such 
> since thousands of years. They use fire to get rid of paper documents 
> and even the old egypts were able to destroyed stuff on stones by using 
> simple steps. Just the IT failed completely.
> 
> Really unbelievable.
> 
> So, sorry if anyone got bored by this mail, but I think that really has 
> to be said and repeated.

Well not failed completely, just used a different method (encryption).

As for "shredding", that improves in effectiveness the lower you go.
I.E. it's effective for the whole file system (SSD range), or whole device.

Pádraig.
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