So, while posting in the SHTF RPG thread, I was thinking of a way to have a secret location that you could access through the internet to store information too.

I was brainstorming almost a geocache type device. It would have to include using an xbox with an encrypted linux hard drive and wireless connection. Also, it would have to use solar power to trickle charge a battery to run the xbox. Maybe a timer of some sort to have the xbox come online during specific periods for backing up data too. All the while, being contained in something of military grade and small enough to hide so you could have it connect to an unsecure wireless connection. Then you could tunnel into the device at the specific period to start backing up data as needed.

...something like that would be a neat idea. But holy hell if someone found it and took it.

Very true! That would be one kick ass WOG DIY project.

It is a nice idea, though the choice of parts is not ideal in my opinion.

The whole package would need to be small. Xboxes are not small. Plus they use PC hardware which eats more power than a solar panel could feasibly provide. Also, it would look pretty suspicious to the general public, "Whats this? An Xbox? Where's the tv?" etc. Even worse is someone reporting it as a suspicious device and having the bomb squad called in. Probably not a good idea to leave electronics stashed in places.

A better idea would be to use a server in another country, preferably multiple servers in multiple countries. Store your stash of data in an encrypted file container like the ones Truecrypt uses. Or put the data on a darknet. Or on p2p networks. Very hard to get rid of all the datastores.

Another option would be to stash your data with trusted friends in a sneakernet fashion. Give them hard drives, optical media etc. Redundancy is key in a backup solution. if one store goes down you have many to recover from.

It would defiantly be a fun thing to do and be a huge learning experience.

If you are gonna try this, i reccomend going with a laptop based solution, something small that can be charged on low power. You will have the WiFi and battery parts sorted right off the bat. All that you need is a solar panel that can charge it up. Downside is cost. Xboxes are very cheap, £50 in the UK. They are also very large and heavy. You will also need a large number of solar panels to power it.

Whatever you do, just don't go hiding electronics in places, people get too excited when they are found.

I just have a website.  I back up the database in multiple locations.  If its COLO gets hit, as long as there's a net, one of the trusted repositories puts the website back up.

I don't want to deal with physical locations:  I'm in a Kill Zone -- the whole point is to keep your data OUT of the Kill Zone.

It's a great idea, just not one I'm implementing.  My data depository is all online.  And it's not secret.

Well okay, most of it is hidden from the public...but it's there.  And it can be accessed from any internet access point in the world (except I think China).

S