Encryption Question = Truecrypt
 

So I dropped my harddrive filled with unedited content, id's, etc. that I wouldn't want in the wrong hands. I took it back to the store I bought it from to get fixed but instead of fixing it they just gave me a new one. I had the whole drive encrypted with TrueCrypt. Providing they don't try to crack the password is my data private if Western Digital decides to try to fix my drive and take a look inside?

i'm no expert but I'd say you're alright.

as long as you didnt use a 3 character password your cp is safe! haha j/j

but seriously, truecrypt data just looks like random numbers and stuff, cracking 256bit aes/twofish encryption shouldnt be possible by a home user for like 25 years the amount of processing power that would take. if you have a short (under 20 chars) password try and make them longer next time but still you will be fine stop worrying :D

Should be just fine. They most likely will send it to the manufacturer who will then confirm it is dead on either repair it, low level format it and sell it, or they will destroy it.

I love TrueCrypt :)

same here :)

so even the feds can't decrypt this stuff unless they crack the password? they can't force truecrypt to help unencrypt it? the password must be stored somewhere, I am sure truecrypt can get it, no?

Any repair person would be a fool to not immediately blank the hardrive. Avoid any possible accusation that they used any information from the computer in anyway, should be the rule if they want to keep their job and stay out of jail.

Think about it like this: you get a computer to work on then crack the password and find a crime. You are in trouble if you admit you cracked the password and you are in trouble if you don't report the crime.
Lose/lose on that one.

the password isnt stored anywhere, the data is scrambled according to your password, you can try unscrambling it with any other password but it will all be garbage until the right password is used, which is why using a long password is good

The only way a used hard drive leaves here is in pieces. It was more fun shotputting the older 5 1/2" drives but even the little 3 1/2" ones make a bit of a clatter when they hit the concrete!!