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Write protected SD card problem

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  • RussJK
    RussJK Posts: 2,359 Forumite
    I remember reading this on the SANS site. They were comparing it to the write-protect switch you get on some USB sticks (very useful if you don't want corporate AV software deleting all your penetration testing tools). http://isc.sans.edu/diary.html?storyid=10588

    Quite funny, imagining this guy acting like James Bond at cocktail parties, pulling out his mini-SD reader etc.

    Looks like it's DVD/CDs or find one of those rare/expensive write-protected USB drives.
  • T_T_2
    T_T_2 Posts: 880 Forumite
    RussJK wrote: »
    So you can't trust the writeprotect feature when using it on a compromised system like you could with floppy discs?

    You could never really trust the floppy either. It can be overriden within the firmware or as another user suggested by tampering with the lock switch. You can also remove the soft disc from within the floppy and place it in a host casing that has no switch.
  • RussJK
    RussJK Posts: 2,359 Forumite
    T_T wrote: »
    You could never really trust the floppy either. It can be overriden within the firmware or as another user suggested by tampering with the lock switch.

    Last time I looked into floppies, it was considered 'practically' safe because of the difficulties in malware finding the right firmware to alter a particular floppy drive. A bit like the argument again bios rootkits I suppose.

    I can't say I've ever worried that someone might be changing the casings on my floppy discs ;)
  • geordieracer
    geordieracer Posts: 2,637 Forumite
    paddyrg wrote: »
    2452663566_12438cf29f.jpg

    It doesn't connect to anything - it isn't a switch, it just presses (or doesn't) a switch in the reader - a blob pf stuff in the 'lock' or 'unlock' poition will make it so forever :-)

    Bit pointless it having one then IMO..

    thanks for the advice ill give it a whirl.
    one of the famous 5:kiss:
  • T_T_2
    T_T_2 Posts: 880 Forumite
    Bit pointless it having one then IMO..

    thanks for the advice ill give it a whirl.

    It's basically a failsafe against windows (or more likely the user) accidentally overwriting or deleting files that they don't want to. It shouldn't be considered a security device unless the thieves in question have no fingers :D
  • paddyrg
    paddyrg Posts: 13,543 Forumite
    It's just to reduce the risk of accidents, it doesn't encrypt anything or affect the gubbins, just more a guide for the compueter to say 'the owner doesn't want to overwrite this stuff, so let's not'
  • T_T_2
    T_T_2 Posts: 880 Forumite
    paddyrg wrote: »
    just more a guide for the compueter to say 'the owner doesn't want to overwrite this stuff, so let's not'

    Or in the case of windows: "The owner don't want this to be overwritten, but let's do it anyway cos it'll be hilarious! Better yet, let's wipe the whole bleedin' lot, wedding pictures un' all" :D

    ...although I'm not entirely sure why windows would speak like a pirate.
  • RussJK
    RussJK Posts: 2,359 Forumite
    T_T wrote: »
    Or in the case of windows: "The owner don't want this to be overwritten, but let's do it anyway cos it'll be hilarious! Better yet, let's wipe the whole bleedin' lot, wedding pictures un' all" :D

    ...although I'm not entirely sure why windows would speak like a pirate.

    Must be its West Country heritage.
  • spud17
    spud17 Posts: 4,431 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    RussJK wrote: »
    Must be its West Country heritage.

    Date for your diary September 19th :D
    Move along, nothing to see.
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