Proton Mail Helped FBI Unmask Anonymous 'Stop Cop City' Protester

Re:Proton Mail Helped FBI Unmask Anonymous 'Stop Cop City' P... by encrypted_bird on Thursday March 05, 2026 @07:20PM (#47269097)

Just out of curiosity, what is a cold boot attack?

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Re:Proton Mail Helped FBI Unmask Anonymous 'Stop Cop City' P... by gruez on Thursday March 05, 2026 @07:24PM (#47269132)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_boot_attack

tl;dr they pull the decryption keys from your computer while it's still running, which of course it is because your mail server has to be up 24/7.

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Re:Proton Mail Helped FBI Unmask Anonymous 'Stop Cop City' P... by wildzzz on Thursday March 05, 2026 @08:55PM (#47269852)

Simple solution: put your server inside of a cabinet or enclosure that immediately powers it off if opened with a hidden micro switch. Additionally, write a little udev rule to immediately power off if any new USB device is connected or Ethernet is unplugged.

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Re:Proton Mail Helped FBI Unmask Anonymous 'Stop Cop City' P... by encrypted_bird on Thursday March 05, 2026 @10:43PM (#47270589)

So a trip-switch for the server?

How would one access it if one needed to do config changes or, really, anything the server for legitimate purposes?

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Re:Proton Mail Helped FBI Unmask Anonymous 'Stop Cop City' P... by quesera on Thursday March 05, 2026 @11:36PM (#47270918)

ssh in and shut down first (and/or just use a properly reliable filesystem).

Mail transfer can tolerate multi-hour interruptions. Imagine the drama if it couldn't!

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Re:Proton Mail Helped FBI Unmask Anonymous 'Stop Cop City' P... by encrypted_bird on Friday March 06, 2026 @11:17PM (#47284435)

If you can ssh in, couldn't they ssh in?

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Re:Proton Mail Helped FBI Unmask Anonymous 'Stop Cop City' P... by encrypted_bird on Thursday March 05, 2026 @10:42PM (#47270575)

That is fascinating! Thanks for sharing!

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