ExtremeTech ran a report on how full disk encryption (FDE) is stymieing the efforts of federal intelligence agencies to access data stored in them. ExtremeTech highlighted three main problems with FDE, according to a research paper titled "The growing impact of full disk encryption on digital forensics" published earlier this month. They range from switching off a computer containing encrypted data for the purpose of transportation, time wasted in analyzing data volumes that were ultimately unreadable and the triggering of a self-destruction mechanism from hardware-based encryption devices.

A computer protected with FDE is at its most vulnerable when in active use, so specialized hardware such as the WiebeTech HotPlug has been designed to "transfer" a running desktop onto a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for transportation without the need to power it down. Additional gadgets such as the Mouse Jiggler helps ensure that screensaver never kicks in due to inactivity.

Ultimately, while better awareness and training of agents helps, the outlook doesn't look good when it comes to a powered-off workstations protected with FDE. On that front, the paper concludes with the admission that "research is needed to develop new techniques and technology for breaking or bypassing full disk encryption." 

On the positive side, it does mean that protective mechanisms exist that, if properly implemented, will prevent the possibility of data leaks as a direct result of stolen or misplaced laptops.

For more:
- check out this article at ExtremeTech

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