[R] Sourcing encrypted files

Mark Wardle mark at wardle.org
Tue Sep 18 10:13:50 CEST 2007


Dear Dennis,

Ignoring the reasons why you might want to do this, you may want to
explore a ram disk. I don't know which OS you are using, but assume a
unix or unix-like OS, there may be a straightforward way to mount a
ram-based volatile disk and decrypt your file to there.

Another option would be to use an encrypted partition.

Best wishes,

Mark

On 17/09/2007, Dennis Fisher <fisher at plessthan.com> wrote:
> Colleagues,
>
> I have an unusual problem; I am wondering whether anyone has dealt
> with it and found a solution.
>
> I have a script that needs to be encrypted.  R will then be run on
> the script.  There are various means to decrypt the file, some of
> which leave the decrypted code on the hard drive for an excessive
> period.
>
> One means that I have considered to deal with this is the following
> (the unix code is not correct, just sufficient to communicate the idea):
>         system("decrypt ...")
>         system("rm encrypted file")
>         source(decrypted file)
>         system("rm decrypted file")
>
> Another approach would be to pipe the decrypted version to R in the
> command line (as it is being decrypted).  Obviously, this could be
> done with R < decryptedFile but this leaves the decrypted code
> exposed.  Is there some other means to accomplish my goals using
> something on the command line?
>
> Of note, the scripts are not terribly long - 50-200 lines each.
>
> Thanks
>
> Dennis
>
> Dennis Fisher MD
> P < (The "P Less Than" Company)
> Phone: 1-866-PLessThan (1-866-753-7784)
> Fax: 1-415-564-2220
> www.PLessThan.com
>
>
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>
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-- 
Dr. Mark Wardle
Specialist registrar, Neurology
Cardiff, UK



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