SSD & Veracrypt Plausible Daniability Compatibility

Troubilshow · 05-30-2022, 04:25 PM

Hello world !

I would like to encrypt a pc with a hidden OS using VeraCrypt.

However I have seen on other forums some people saying that a hidden os in an ssd leaves traces in it, not perfect at all.

I plan to buy a gaming pc on craigslist with an HDD, but in case there is only HDD (this is becoming more and more rare now, especially when you want a powerful pc) is it possible to replace an SSD by an HDD? Is the Sata port of SSD compatible with HDD ? (I'm talking about SSDs that take up some space and not M.2s that are ultra thin and small (I'll let you look at what it's about for those who don't know the difference)

Oni · 05-31-2022, 01:32 PM

I've had some minor doubts regarding Veracrypt, as it is based on Truecrypt (which was shut down ~7 years ago). Typically the "Hidden OS" option is used in the event you want to avoid interrogation/coercion. For the average scenario, it should be fine... but these solutions will always leave a trace.

Whether you want an HDD or SSD is entirely up to you. Provided the computer is using 2.5" drives, it should be able to work with whichever 2.5" drive you prefer. If it's a "gaming" laptop, it's probably using 2.5" drives (same dimensions for SSD/HDD). You'll simply need to swap the drives/cables and reinstall your operating system/drivers.

Drako · 05-31-2022, 08:54 PM

Of course there will be traces of something hidden if you're encrypting a bootloaded operating system. It won't matter if it's solid state or a spinning drive. What you want is plausible deniability on a wiped drive that just has data on it, and no operating system.

And yes, if you're buying a laptop you can replace a HDD pretty easily. The SATA and power will work just fine. Though like you said, I highly doubt a modern gaming laptop will come equipped with a HDD instead of an SSD.

But I'm not entirely sure what you're trying to say at the end. It sounds like you want a HDD over a SSD?

Troubilshow · 05-31-2022, 10:29 PM

(05-31-2022, 01:32 PM)Oni Wrote: I've had some minor doubts regarding Veracrypt, as it is based on Truecrypt (which was shut down ~7 years ago). Typically the "Hidden OS" option is used in the event you want to avoid interrogation/coercion. For the average scenario, it should be fine... but these solutions will always leave a trace.

Whether you want an HDD or SSD is entirely up to you. Provided the computer is using 2.5" drives, it should be able to work with whichever 2.5" drive you prefer. If it's a "gaming" laptop, it's probably using 2.5" drives (same dimensions for SSD/HDD). You'll simply need to swap the drives/cables and reinstall your operating system/drivers.

Hello thanks for your reply, yeah the hidden os leave trace but it is not provable that there is a hidden os. What do you recommend for encryption ? I prefer the HDD because all the files can be destroyed in the most perfect way. thx !

(05-31-2022, 08:54 PM)Drako Wrote: Of course there will be traces of something hidden if you're encrypting a bootloaded operating system. It won't matter if it's solid state or a spinning drive. What you want is plausible deniability on a wiped drive that just has data on it, and no operating system.

And yes, if you're buying a laptop you can replace a HDD pretty easily. The SATA and power will work just fine. Though like you said, I highly doubt a modern gaming laptop will come equipped with a HDD instead of an SSD.

But I'm not entirely sure what you're trying to say at the end. It sounds like you want a HDD over a SSD?

Yeah sorry the hidden os is the BIG word to describe it, but you understand what i was thinking ! so cool to know that ssd can be swapped. Sorry for the end i edit and delete this part because it was very disorganized and not really important

Oni · 06-04-2022, 08:07 PM

(05-31-2022, 10:29 PM)Troubilshow Wrote:
(05-31-2022, 01:32 PM)Oni Wrote: I've had some minor doubts regarding Veracrypt, as it is based on Truecrypt (which was shut down ~7 years ago). Typically the "Hidden OS" option is used in the event you want to avoid interrogation/coercion. For the average scenario, it should be fine... but these solutions will always leave a trace.

Whether you want an HDD or SSD is entirely up to you. Provided the computer is using 2.5" drives, it should be able to work with whichever 2.5" drive you prefer. If it's a "gaming" laptop, it's probably using 2.5" drives (same dimensions for SSD/HDD). You'll simply need to swap the drives/cables and reinstall your operating system/drivers.

Hello thanks for your reply, yeah the hidden os leave trace but it is not provable that there is a hidden os. What do you recommend for encryption ? I prefer the HDD because all the files can be destroyed in the most perfect way. thx !

(05-31-2022, 08:54 PM)Drako Wrote: Of course there will be traces of something hidden if you're encrypting a bootloaded operating system. It won't matter if it's solid state or a spinning drive. What you want is plausible deniability on a wiped drive that just has data on it, and no operating system.

And yes, if you're buying a laptop you can replace a HDD pretty easily. The SATA and power will work just fine. Though like you said, I highly doubt a modern gaming laptop will come equipped with a HDD instead of an SSD.

But I'm not entirely sure what you're trying to say at the end. It sounds like you want a HDD over a SSD?

Yeah sorry the hidden os is the BIG word to describe it, but you understand what i was thinking ! so cool to know that ssd can be swapped. Sorry for the end i edit and delete this part because it was very disorganized and not really important

Veracrypt might be your best option. Some people use LUKS or Bitlocker. As stated, if you're just wanting to swap the drive just check the dimensions (2.5" is the norm). If they're both SATA it will work and you will only need to worry about the dimensions if it's a laptop.