Help Encryption issue

[xiteg79]

I tried to search to see if this might be an issue but no luck. I am trying to encrypt the data on my phone, bot internal and the sdcard and it says that the data is encrypted but when I take the sdcard out and put it in my laptop I can see all of the data.

Is there a bug with the Bionic and encryption right now?

 

[johnlgalt]

See this: https://motorola-enterprise.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/57094/kw/encryption

Specifically, this part:

When SD card encryption is enabled, all new files added to the removable memory will be encrypted. Files stored on the card will not be readable via another phone or card reader connected to PC. User can transfer files from encrypted SD card to PC using embedded Phone Portal application.

Note: If you would like to encrypt existing files on your card you will need to transfer them to your PC, turn encryption on, and then copy them back to your card.

 

[xiteg79]

Oh wow john, I thought that is what it meant but I guess I am just used to normal encryption, particularly whole disk encryption methods. That is a bit odd it would be like that.

Thank you for the clarification

 

[johnlgalt]

I had no idea either, I just went looking in the one place I had a feeling I'd find the answer lol.

But, in retrospect, it makes sense - it's file encryption, not disk encryption. Even on file encryption systems on our computers, we're asked if we want to encrypt existing files or not (not an issue with disk encryption since by default it encrypts the entire disk and everything on it already).

 

[kingnut]

See this: https://motorola-enterprise.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/57094/kw/encryption

Specifically, this part:

great info. what about when you encrypt the onboard OS and memory?

 

[johnlgalt]

from the same link:

When device encryption is enabled all applications' data in the device memory is automatically encrypted. This is transparent for apps so 3rd applications are covered without the need for additional changes.

 

[kingnut]

thanks for the info.

 

[Satires]

I just recently started fooling with encryption today on my bionic. When it's coming to ICS, the phone has to be in media device mode to encrypt the files. I ran tests on both the internal storage and external storage as follows.

I placed two folders on each drive (Internal and sd card) Called mass and device.

Then I started the usb connection as mass storage, moved an mp3 song to the mass folders. Next I put the usb mode in media device and placed an mp3 in each of the folders named device.

I found that when transferring files in mass storage mode, whether loading them onto the internal storage or the sd card the files never got encrypted. Only in media device mode did the files get encrypted. I proved this by pulling out the sd card and running it with my card reader. The files in mass folder played fine. The files in the device folder were visible, but would not play.

This works the other way around as well. When making backups, be sure you're in mass storage mode, otherwise the files will be encrypted. Why? Because if the phone messes up and you have to do a factory reset, you will lose access to all of your encrypted files both on the sd card and internal storage. I know, I deliberately did a hard reset to see what would happen.

If you're running Linux and not windows while transferring files, those files will not be encrypted.

In conclusion, running windows xp with moto helper installed. File going to the phone and coming from the phone will NOT be encrypted in "Mass storage" mode. Files going to the phone or coming from the phone in "Media Device" mode WILL be encrypted.

There is no known way to decrypt files on your computer encrypted by the phone itself, this is why it's best to back up files unencrypted to the computer and re encrypt them (If you so choose) with truecrypt or a similar program of choice.

I'm new to encrypting, be sure to test out my findings.

 

[doogald]

I just recently started fooling with encryption today on my bionic. ....

Thanks for this!

 

[Satires]

Thanks for this!

No problem.

I almost gave up because I couldn't find the information I needed. I figured this may help others if they find it in the search engines like couldn't.