• How to hide a file. How to hide files in a JPEG image

    Music or video file. Today I will show you how with the help of everyone forgotten way, hide files in NTFS.

    How to hide files in NTFS?

    The simplest way to hide some information in NTFS is to put it in an alternative stream (Alternative Data Stream, hereinafter referred to as ADS). The trick is as old as the world itself: it is already more than 15 years old.

    Those bearded guys who programmed in those years will confirm that this feature was added to the file system for compatibility with the Apple system. Nowadays, alternative streams are rarely created. I’ll briefly go over the main subtleties and examples of using hidden flows.

    1. First, when a file is created on the system, the data is written to the standard $DATA stream. Any user, even a “disenfranchised” user, can create additional streams to files, even to those for which he, in fact, has no rights.
    2. Secondly, information in streams can not only be stored, but also launched. Further, streams can be created both to files and to directories (although the latter will not be able to run a file).
    3. Fourth, the size of the actual file does not change, and Explorer does not display additional threads.
    4. Fifthly, when sending files, for example, by mail or to a flash drive, only the standard stream is copied. That is, we have a fairly light method for hiding information, for example, at work.

    Malicious programs also use this method to hide files in NTFS, but ADS has not been a problem for antiviruses for a long time. Now for practical examples.

    We write the text to an additional stream - secrets.txt
    echo "some secrets" > test.txt:secrets.txt

    Click if you can't copy.

    Reading the text from the secrets.txt stream
    more< test.txt:secrets.txt
    notepad.exe test.txt:secrets.txt

    Let's write it down executable file into the stream
    type C:\windows\system32\calc.exe > test.txt:calc.exe

    Run the file from the stream (you need to specify the full path)
    start c:\test.txt:calc.exe
    wmic process call create \\.\c:\test.txt:calc.exe

    Since not all programs support additional streams, you may have problems opening them. But it can be solved by creating symbolic links using mklink.
    mklink link_fi le.txt test.txt:secrets.txt

    Previously, there were no built-in methods for viewing streams in Windows - but now you can use the standard command for listing directories with the /R argument:

    By the way, another interesting feature for ordinary life. Everyone knows that *nixes (UFS) have hard links to files, that is, we actually have one file, and there are many links to it. Moreover, they can be scattered throughout the system.

    So in NTFS there is also such an opportunity, but for some reason it was “forgotten” and is not particularly used. The only limitation for NTFS is that hard links can only be on one logical drive.

    In XP this is done like this:
    fsutil hardlink create new_link source_file

    Starting with Vista, this is done using the mklink utility with the ‘/h’ argument:
    mklink /h new_link original_file

    You may also be interested in the article "". That's all for today. Now you know how to hide files in NTFS. Good luck and information security to everyone!

    There are many programs for encrypting files. But how to hide a file from prying eyes so that no one would even guess about its existence?

    What do you do when you need to save some information on it secretly from the computer owner? For example, you need to save a ten-megabyte file downloaded from an online club in case the floppy disk is damaged; make a copy of the saved game on a work computer so that it is not deleted by the administrator. Many users create a subdirectory in C:Windows and copy files into it. It's simple, but not very reliable.

    There is a way to hide files with an almost one hundred percent guarantee that no one will find them (provided that the “enemy” did not read this article). You will need any good archiver(such as RAR or 7-Zip) and a hex editor.

    First, create an archive with the highest compression ratio. Now move the archive to the system Windows directory and rename it, for example, to C:WindowsSystem32kernel.dll in Windows XP or C:WindowsSystemkernel.dll in Windows 9x. Good programmer may remember that there is no such file in the Windows directory initially, but most will confuse it with the existing kernel32.dll and krnl386.exe. Moreover, the Windows system catalog is usually large, and it is unlikely that anyone will study it in detail.

    It is especially easy to hide your file among Direct-X files with similar names. For example, the files D3d8.dll, D3dim.dll, or D3dpmesh.dll exist, and you create D3drg8d.dll. Another example: libraries Visual Basic 5.0 and 6.0 are called Msvbvm50.dll and Msvbvm60.dll, but in the fourth version the runtime library was stored in the file Vb40032.dll. Taking advantage of this confusion, you can create the Msvbvm40.dll file. He won't break normal work programs because older Visual Basic applications will access the Vb40032.dll file.

    To ensure that the file does not attract attention, it should not differ significantly in size from other DLLs. It would be a good idea to change the date and time the file was created (it’s easy to see in the screenshot that the kernel.dll file was created in 2004, and other system files Windows 98 - in 1998).

    However, an archive hidden in this way can be opened in file manager Total Commander or Far by pressing Ctrl+Page Down. For this case, we need a hexadecimal editor. Open the file in it and replace the first four bytes with "Rar!" to "MZ" and any two characters. Now, if you don’t look closely, the file will look like a real library, and you will no longer be able to open it in Total Commander. Before unpacking, change the first bytes to “Rar!”, and you will see a regular archive again. Note that the first letter R in the signature "Rar!" capital, the rest lowercase (codes 52 61 72 21).

    If required additional protection, the archive can be protected with a password. For this we can recommend Rar 3.0 and the new free archiver 7-Zip. Both archivers use strong cryptographic AES algorithm and can encrypt file names so that they will not be visible when viewing the archive in a hexadecimal editor. Zip archives are much less secure, and there are ready-made hacker programs for hacking them.

    Hidden files (folders) are hidden folders or files. That is, those that are not visible, but in fact they are there.

    How hide file (folder)? The simplest solution:

    1) right-click on the file or folder and select “Properties”.

    2) check the box next to “Hidden”. For example, like this:

    Important folder here Documents and Settings just hidden:


    Many users know how to see and open hidden files. So think about whether something is worth “hiding.” After all, if the notebook says “Top Secret. Do not open or read under any circumstances,” then the temptation to open and read is much greater than if this had not happened.


    Usually on a computer there are many hidden files located on Local disk, where installed operating system(usually "C") This is so that you don’t accidentally spoil anything, because if you delete them or change the name, the computer may start to work poorly or stop altogether. So you need to be careful with system hidden files and folders.

    How to view hidden files(folders). And you can see them like this:

    “Tools” (at the top of the window) -› “Folder Options” -› “View” -› “Show hidden files and folders” (at the bottom) -› “OK”

    Hidden folders are not shown here (files are hidden):

    To show hidden files and folders, select this item:

    Files and folders that are hidden will be lighter than those that are not hidden.

    Hide a folder or file from others

    There are many programs on the Internet for hiding individual folders and files from other computer users. These programs offer a simple method of hiding folders - by filtering requests to file system. But this does not mean 100% data protection.

    In fact, look through other means. If more is required reliable protection, you should turn to serious cryptographic packages.


    One of the biggest desires of the user is often the desire for programs and other data to be somewhere away from prying eyes. The most common way to do this isuse programs to hide files and folders.

    There are quite a lot of them now: Folder Lock Hide Folders XP, Use standard means on Windows: mark the folder/file as hidden., on NTFS volumes - deny access to the folder/file by specifying the rights to access the object.

    But not all utilities for hiding folders will reliably hide your data. Moreover, even fewer of them, in addition to hiding them, will reliably protect them with encryption from various techniques. Many of these programs hide folders and files for only one operating system.

    This is good if one operating system is installed on the PC - but what if there are several of them? From one system the data will not be visible, but from the other - everything is in full view!

    One of the methods data protection is their encryption. This is so reliable protect your data.

    Everything is quite simple. You select the data you need and assign a password to access it. If only you know the password, then only you will get access to the information!

    To further increase reliability of data storage, they are encrypted. That is, using special encryption algorithms, they transform the data in such a way that even if the file is opened, it will be impossible to read it - it will be a mess. To convert the “porridge” into normal data, they are decrypted using the same encryption algorithm.

    In general, these technologies are based on data protection from unauthorized access lies the science of cryptography, which is part of the science of cryptology. In turn, this science uses various methods and algorithms, which we will now get acquainted with.

    To ensure that your information, after being encrypted, turns into “information garbage”, a meaningless set of characters for an outsider, specially developed methods are used - encryption algorithms.
    Such algorithms are developed by mathematicians or entire teams of employees of companies or research centers.

    From time to time, all PC users have a need to hide some files or folders from prying eyes. Of course, if you simply want to prevent certain directories and their contents from being of interest to your young children, it is quite enough to use Windows tools and make them hidden. At the same time, you need to understand that such protection is very unreliable, and if you change the settings in Explorer and check the “Show hidden files, folders and drives” option,

    how all of them will become available to anyone working at your PC. And even without changing Explorer settings, they can be seen in a file manager like Total Commander, and in some archiver programs.

    How to hide files on your computer?

    It is much safer to hide files and folders using special programs, of which there are quite a lot of both paid and free software. The principle of operation of all these applications is that the user launches the application, finds and specifies the folder or file that he wants to hide, clicks the appropriate option, sets a password, confirms the command and, if everything is done correctly, makes sure that the folder or file is no longer visible on his computer. To restore access, the user will need to open the program and enter the previously specified password. Among the good and free software, it is worth noting Anvide Lock Folder and WinMend Folder Hidden. Both programs are not overloaded with additional and unclaimed functions, they are understandable and Russified. But, despite the fact that it is impossible to gain access to hidden files and folders without a password and additional manipulations, it would still be a mistake to consider this method of protection reliable.

    Firstly, you can see hidden directories and files if you load a “live disk” with almost any operating system.

    Secondly, if someone wants to remove your hard drive and connect it to another computer, all your secret files and folders will be visible at a glance.

    Thirdly, even normal download Windows in safe mode will make all your hidden files and folders using a program like Anvid Lock Folder, visible.

    Of course, all these actions must be performed consciously, that is, someone must be purposefully interested in revealing your secrets, but the imperfection of this method is also obvious. Also, the very presence of an application for hiding the contents of a PC can give away the user’s head. Therefore, try not only to remove the shortcut from the desktop, but also to remove the application from the list of installed programs.

    Encrypting data on your computer

    The most secure method is encryption. Encrypted files cannot be opened due to any manipulations with “live disks”; they also remain unreadable when trying to connect the disk to another PC. But how to encrypt files and folders and won’t this require special knowledge? In fact, everything is simple, you just need to select the appropriate program and use it to perform a few simple steps. It's nice to note that encryption software is small in size and many very decent utilities are free. A number of software of this type not only encrypt files, but also reliably hide them, disguising them as objects that will not arouse any suspicion in anyone. If we talk about examples of such applications, these are TrueCrypt, Rohos Mini Drive, Free File Camouflage. If TrueCrypt helps to encrypt and make invisible not only files, but also any disks or system partitions, then Free File Camouflage offers a very elegant solution for hiding files whose size does not exceed several megabytes. Using the program, we simply place the file that we want to make invisible into some image. Now the “secret” file can be stored even on the desktop, enjoying the thought that its contents are inaccessible to others.

    Quite rare personal computer can be called personal in the truest sense of the word, especially when it comes to a home PC. Most often, the precious electronic “machine” belongs to several family members and is used, as they say, on a first-come, first-served basis.

    That is why it is no wonder that sometimes one of the users is faced with the need to hide some file or folder from his “co-users”. In this article we will tell you what is a hidden file, how to hide a file or folder And how to show hidden folders and files using the example of a PC with the most popular platform today, Windows 7 (instructions are also suitable for Windows 8 and).

    What is a hidden file/folder in Windows?

    Hidden file/folder– this is the most ordinary file/folder, in the properties of which the “hidden/hidden” attribute is marked, as a result of which this file/folder is not displayed. In short, the fact that a hidden file/folder is not displayed is its only feature and difference from a regular file/folder.

    How to make a file hidden? We follow these instructions:

    1. Right-click on the file that you want to hide.

    2. Select the “Properties” item.

    3. In the window that opens, click on the “General” tab.

    4. Look for the “Attributes” parameter, put a tick in the box opposite the “Hidden” inscription, click “Apply” and “OK” or just “OK”.

    5. Done! The file is hidden!

    Creation procedure hidden folders in Windows 7/8/10 is no different from the procedure for creating a hidden file, so follow the instructions above to complete it.

    How to show hidden folders on Windows 7/8/10?

    So, we figured out what a hidden file and a hidden folder are, as well as how to make a file/folder hidden in Windows 7/8/10, now it’s time for the most interesting thing - the answer to the question of how to show hidden folders and files .

    There are several ways to do this, we will tell you about four of them, and you can use what you like.

    Method 1 – Control Panel

    1. Click on the “Start” icon in Windows 7, select “Control Panel” (In Windows 8 and 10, press the key combination “Win ​​+ x” and select “Control Panel” from the list (Win button is the button with the Windows logo )).

    2. Set the “Viewing” option to “Small icons” and click “Folder Options” (for Windows 10 click “Explorer Options”)

    5. Place a dot opposite the “Show hidden files, folders and drives” parameter, click “Apply” and “OK” or just “OK” (see screenshot in step 3).

    6. That's it! Now all hidden files and folders on your PC will be displayed, only they will be a little darker than usual.

    Method 2 – Arrange Menu.

    2. On the panel at the top, click the “Arrange” item, then the “Folder and Search Options” item.

    3. In the window that opens, select the “View” tab.

    4. In the window " Additional options» set the slider to the lowest position (see screenshot in point 3).

    5. Set a dot opposite the “Show hidden files, folders and drives” parameter, click “OK” (see screenshot in step 3).

    6. Done!

    Method 3 – Tools Menu

    1. Click on the “Start” icon and select “Computer”.

    2. Press the “Alt” key.

    3. On the panel that appears, click on the “Service” item.

    4. Select the “Folder Options” item (see screenshot in point 3).

    5. In the window that opens, click “View”.

    6. In the “Additional parameters” window, set the slider to the lowest position (see screenshot in step 5).

    7. Place a dot opposite the “Show hidden files, folders and drives” parameter, click “OK” (see screenshot in step 5).

    8. Done!

    Method 3 - Total Commander

    This method is suitable for those users who have installed Total program Commander. By the way, if you don’t have it installed, we advise you to get it, because this program is an excellent file manager. You can download Total Commander Here. And now let’s talk about how to show hidden folders using this program on Windows:

    1. Open the program.

    2. Select the “Configuration” tab on the panel, then “Settings”.

    3. In the window that appears, click on the “Contents of panels” item.

    4. Check the “Show hidden/system files” option and click “OK” (see screenshot in step 3).

    5. Done!

    As you understand, if one of the users hides a folder or file, then another user can actually easily find it by following one of the above instructions. That’s why we advise, if you want to securely hide a particular file, not just make it hidden, but also “throw it into the far corner” of your computer. Thus, even if the user sets the “Show hidden files, folders and drives” option, he will have to work hard to find your “hideaway”. The main thing, of course, is not to forget where the file was hidden.

    Results

    Well, now you know four ways to show hidden folders on a PC with Windows 7 and two ways on PCs with Windows 8 and 10. It is worth noting that the last method is to show hidden folders with using Total Commander is suitable for users of any system!

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