SC-CFS: Smarcard Secured Cryptographic File System

Abstract

Although storing information securely is one of the most important roles expected for computer systems, it is difficult to achieve with current commodity computers. The computers may yield secrets through physical breach, software bug exploitation, or password guessing attack. Even file systems that provide strong security, such as the cryptographic file system, are not perfect against these attacks. We have developed SC-CFS, a file system that encrypts files and takes advantage of a smart card for per-file key generation. SC-CFS counters password guessing attack, and minimizes the damage caused by physical attack and bug exploitation.