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Camera Makers Resist Encryption, Despite Warnings From Photographers (zdnet.com)
An anonymous reader shares an article from the security editor of ZDNet:
A year after photojournalists and filmmakers sent a critical letter to camera makers for failing to add a basic security feature to protect their work from searches and hacking, little progress has been made. The letter, sent in late 2016, called on camera makers to build encryption into their cameras after photojournalists said they face "a variety of threats..." Even when they're out in the field, collecting footage and documenting evidence, reporters have long argued that without encryption, police, the military, and border agents in countries where they work can examine and search their devices. "The consequences can be dire," the letter added.
Although iPhones and Android phones, computers, and instant messengers all come with encryption, camera makers have fallen behind. Not only does encryption protect reported work from prying eyes, it also protects sources -- many of whom put their lives at risk to expose corruption or wrongdoing... The lack of encryption means high-end camera makers are forcing their customers to choose between putting their sources at risk, or relying on encrypted, but less-capable devices, like iPhones. We asked the same camera manufacturers if they plan to add encryption to their cameras -- and if not, why. The short answer: don't expect much any time soon.
Although iPhones and Android phones, computers, and instant messengers all come with encryption, camera makers have fallen behind. Not only does encryption protect reported work from prying eyes, it also protects sources -- many of whom put their lives at risk to expose corruption or wrongdoing... The lack of encryption means high-end camera makers are forcing their customers to choose between putting their sources at risk, or relying on encrypted, but less-capable devices, like iPhones. We asked the same camera manufacturers if they plan to add encryption to their cameras -- and if not, why. The short answer: don't expect much any time soon.
Cards can protect their contents from erasure or modification, prevent access by non-authorized users, and protect copyrighted content using digital rights management.
Of course, no implementation that I've come across since the format was released over 18 years ago has implemented that highlighted bit.
APK quotes people (including myself) without context and should not be trusted. Just thought you should know.
If you're a photojournalist leaving a dangerous field assignment then there's a high likelihood you will be stopped and searched. If you hand over your camera and it comes up with a prompt for an encryption password then your camera and its media will be confiscated or destroyed in front of you. There go your photos.
As for protecting sources, why would you photograph them if you didn't intend to publish the photos anyway, which would still put them in danger?
It looks like it's possible using Magiclantern open-source firmware for Canon cameras: https://www.magiclantern.fm/fo...