DeadMan's Handle: FAQs
This page represents the DeadMan's Handle FAQ page. It is updated on a regular basis, and tries to be a first stop for anybody with a question, before you need to contact us.
1. If DeadMan's handle goes off, can I recover my files?
If you have chosen Minimal security, then yes. DeadMan's Handle simply uses the Windows file delete mechanism, which does not overwrite the files. Any file recovery utility should get them back - as long as you do not use the machine! Otherwise, Windows is liable to start overwriting your deleted files. Please note that we do not recommend this level of security - exactly because the files are recoverable.
At any other level of security, the answer is no. Make sure you have backups. Only use DeadMan's Handle for the really secure information.
2. Does DeadMan's Handle work on Linux systems?
Currently, DeadMan's Handle works on Windows 2000, XP and 2003 Server. It does not work under Linux. Windows Vista/7 support will be available in the near future.
3. Is DeadMan's Handle failsafe?
DeadMan's Handle attempts to protect your information when your notebook has gone missing: when it is no longer under your control. Under these conditions, certainty cannot be guaranteed. DeadMan's Handle makes it harder for the thief; allied with other techniques (see our documents page for a discussion on this) DeadMan's Handle can make it extremely difficult for an attacker to get at your information. DeadMan's Handle should be regarded as part of a coherent defence of your company's confidential information.
4. Why are the default installation folders so strangely named?
When DeadMan's Handle installs, it creates random names for the installation and secure folder - you can override these. There are two reasons for the strange names: (1) to encourage you to choose your own names meaningful only to yourself; and (2) to make it harder for any attacker to trace the folders should something go wrong in the deletion process (such as if a file is locked as you were working on it when DeadMan's Handle was activated via the panic button).
5. Won't criminals start recognising DeadMan's Handle?
Very probably. This is why DeadMan's Handle is shipped with a number of screens, to reduce the possibility of detection. In addition, users can create their own screens. However, to further reduce the possibility of detection DeadMan's Handle is under active development to create more variability in the way the challenge is displayed. It is our intention to make DeadMan's Handle as flexible and difficult to detect as possible, and we intend to extend the challenge mechanisms to include biometrics and ID token devices.
6. Why can't I read the configuration utility?
You are running your display in 256-colour mode. The configuration utility has a number of 'skins' (visual appearances) that are optimised for high colour modes. Either alter your display settings, or install the Light version of DMH.
7. How can I reinstall DeadMan's Handle?
Carry out the following steps:
- Move all the files in the secure location to another folder.
- Remove any files from the extra file list.
- Run the DeadMan's Handle deletion process using the panic button.
- Run the installation procedure.
- Move the files back to the secure folder.
- Add any required files to the extra file list.
