A Web Based Covert File System

We present the idea of a web based covert file system, CovertFS. This file system allows a user to store files covertly on media sharing websites while guaranteeing confidentiality and plausible deniability regardingthe existence of the files. Further, it allows for selective and covert sharing of these files with other users. CovertFS can be built on top of any web based media sharing service. The files are hidden within the media using steganographic techniques. The user can plausibly deny the existence of the covert file system since the existence of it cannot be proven. The media sharing service provider is oblivious to the existence of the file system within the stored media, providing them plausible deniability as well. Since the user files are completely hidden, it gives only the user complete control over his confidential files.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2007
• Where: HOTOS
• Authors: Arati Baliga, Joe Kilian, Liviu Iftode
• Keywords: File System, HOTOS 2007, Media Sharing, Media Sharing Service, Operating System