/ POSTS-2023

Cloak and Commit - Concealing Confidential Data with Local Git Repositories in Linux

Introduction :

In the world of version control systems, Git has emerged as a popular and versatile tool for managing source code. However, its capabilities extend beyond code management. In this article, we will explore a unique application of Git: using a local repository to hide sensitive data in Linux. By leveraging the branch and access control features of Git, we can create a secure environment where only the root user can access the hidden branch and its concealed files.

Prerequisites

To follow the steps outlined in this article, you need to have Git installed on your Linux machine. You can install Git by running the appropriate package manager command for your distribution.

Steps

  • Step 1: Initializing a Local Git Repository Open a terminal and navigate to the directory where you want to create the local repository. Run the command git init to initialize a new Git repository in the current directory.

  • Step 2: Create a Branch for Hidden Data Run the command git checkout -b hidden to create a new branch called “hidden” and switch to it. This branch will serve as the container for our concealed files.

  • Step 3: Hiding Files Move or copy the files you wish to conceal into the current directory. These files can be of any type, such as documents, images, or archives. Run the command git add \<file1\> \<file2\> ... to stage the files for the next commit. Replace , , etc., with the names of the files you want to hide. Run the command ```git commit -m "Hidden files"``` to commit the changes and create a snapshot of the hidden files in the hidden branch.

  • Step 4: Restricting Access to the .git Folder Run the command sudo chown root -R .git/ to set root as the owner of the .git folder. Run the command sudo chmod 700 -R .git/ to set the permissions of the .git folder to allow only the root user to access it. This ensures that only the root user can modify the branch containing the hidden files. Accessing the Hidden Files

To access the concealed files in the hidden branch, you need root privileges. Follow these steps:

  • Open a terminal and navigate to the directory where the local Git repository is located.
  • Run the command sudo git checkout hidden to switch to the hidden branch.
  • The hidden files will now be available for viewing, editing, or extraction within the repository directory.

Important Considerations

  • Always exercise caution when handling sensitive data. Ensure that you comply with applicable laws and regulations regarding data privacy and protection.
  • Regularly back up your data, including the hidden branch, to prevent accidental loss.
  • Be mindful that concealing files in a Git repository does not provide encryption or strong security measures. It is primarily intended as a means of restricting access to authorized users.
  • Addressing the question of why not simply set the entire folder to root access, it is essential to clarify that this method focuses on concealing files within the folder while still allowing access, rather than completely blocking access to the folder itself.

Conclusion

Using a local Git repository to hide data in Linux can be a creative and effective way to maintain confidentiality. By creating a separate branch and restricting access to the .git folder, only the root user can modify or access the hidden files. However, it is crucial to understand that this method does not provide encryption or robust security. It should be seen as an additional layer of access control rather than a substitute for proper data protection measures.