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Re: hackers can steal data wirelessly from pcs that arent even online
by
scarsbergholden
on 23/11/2014, 23:52:41 UTC
You realize that only works if someone has PHYSICAL access to the device with the cold storage? With physical access, it's easier for a thief to steal the wallet file, regardless if it had internet or not.

Cracking the password to the wallet is another story.

Physical access is not required in many cases.  Since 2009 (32nm Sandybridge) all Intel CPUs have vPro AMT built in, allowing anyone to control the computer remotely using wireless 3G technology.  There are remote exploits in the wild and the technology cannot be disabled by the end user, the setting to disable AMT in the Bios is ignored.

"Currently, Intel AMT is available in desktops, servers, ultrabooks, tablets, and laptops with Intel Core vPro processor family, including Intel Core i3, i5, i7, and Intel Xeon processor E3-1200 product family"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Active_Management_Technology

"AMT is designed to help sys-admins remotely manage and secure PCs out-of-band when PC power is off"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_AMT_versions

Keywords are "out-of-band" and "when PC power is off".  The Intel CPUs are always on, even when they are off, provided the computer is plugged in to the power.  They can remotely access all your data anytime they wish, without permission and without anyway for the end user to disable this "feature".  It is well documented, so there should be no surprises here.

So, just plug it off, when you don't need it?
Doesn't sound that complicated to me ...

Btw. my computer is always unplugged, when I switch it off, since i just hit the button on my multi-plug.
There is a small battery in the CPU (? - I believe this is where it is) that keeps power so the BOIS settings can be 'remembered'

In reality the simplest solution would be to line the inside of your computer with tinfoil. This would prevent an attacker from being able to receive any signal your computer is transmitting, as well as to prevent you from looking crazy.