Summary: "DN021: Is TrueCrypt Safe?"
This episode addresses widespread confusion and concern regarding the security and continued use of TrueCrypt, a tool recommended for encrypting Bitcoin private keys and related wallet data. The discussion centers on a warning message posted on the TrueCrypt website, which stated that using the software was "not secure."
Main Topics Discussed:
* TrueCrypt Usage: The tool is recommended for encrypting Bitcoin private keys, wallet files, and tracking addresses, allowing for layered, cross-platform backups (including cloud storage).
* Security Concerns: The confusion arose after the TrueCrypt website was modified, displaying a warning that led to speculation about government intervention (e.g., the "NSA" theory).
* Alternative Software Critique: The speaker dismisses Microsoft Bitlocker as an inadequate and potentially backdoored proprietary alternative.
* Expert Opinion: Security expert Steve Gibson confirms that existing versions of TrueCrypt are still safe to use and recommends downloading files from his site (GRC.com) to verify their integrity using SHA-256 hashes.
* Alternatives: If TrueCrypt cannot be trusted, the speaker suggests Tails Linux, noting its limitation: files encrypted on Tails cannot be decrypted on Windows or OSX.
Key Quotes:
1. "True Crypt is still safe to use. You can still access the old versions of True Crypt. And there's no reason to believe that they've been compromised in any way." (Steve Gibson)
2. "It's most likely backdoored. It's a proprietary closed source piece of software and so it's not any kind of adequate substitution for True Crypt."
3. "I would definitely encourage people to continue to use true crypt. Download it from now on from the GRC.com website."
People Mentioned:
* Christophe Atlas (Host)
* Steve Gibson (Security Expert)
Bitcoin Price:
* Not mentioned.