diff --git a/src/crypto.rs b/src/crypto.rs
index 11b7082..c7cc418 100644
--- a/src/crypto.rs
+++ b/src/crypto.rs
@@ -146,6 +146,7 @@ pub fn generate_dummy_slot() -> (Vec<u8>, [u8; 12], [u8; 16], [u8; 16]) {
 
 /// Verschlüsselt den Dateinamen für Knoten im Hidden Vault mit AES-256-GCM.
 /// Verhindert, dass unverschlüsselte Dateinamen in der SQLite-Datenbank forensisch auffindbar sind.
+/// Verwendet reines Hex-Encoding ohne verräterisches Präfix (12B Nonce + 16B Tag + Ciphertext).
 pub fn encrypt_node_name(dek: &[u8; 32], name: &str) -> String {
     let mut nonce_bytes = [0u8; 12];
     OsRng.fill_bytes(&mut nonce_bytes);
@@ -154,16 +155,16 @@ pub fn encrypt_node_name(dek: &[u8; 32], name: &str) -> String {
     let tag = cipher
         .encrypt_in_place_detached(Nonce::from_slice(&nonce_bytes), b"SANCTUM_NODE_NAME", &mut buffer)
         .expect("Name encryption");
-    format!(
-        "$h${}${}${}",
-        hex::encode(nonce_bytes),
-        hex::encode(tag.as_slice()),
-        hex::encode(&buffer)
-    )
+    let mut combined = Vec::with_capacity(12 + 16 + buffer.len());
+    combined.extend_from_slice(&nonce_bytes);
+    combined.extend_from_slice(tag.as_slice());
+    combined.extend_from_slice(&buffer);
+    hex::encode(combined)
 }
 
 /// Entschlüsselt den Dateinamen eines Knotens im Hidden Vault mit AES-256-GCM.
 pub fn decrypt_node_name(dek: &[u8; 32], stored: &str) -> Option<String> {
+    // Abwärtskompatibilität für alte v0.2.0 $h$<nonce>$<tag>$<ct> Namen
     if let Some(rest) = stored.strip_prefix("$h$") {
         let parts: Vec<&str> = rest.split('$').collect();
         if parts.len() == 3 {
@@ -189,6 +190,33 @@ pub fn decrypt_node_name(dek: &[u8; 32], stored: &str) -> Option<String> {
                 }
             }
         }
+        return None;
+    }
+
+    // Neuer Standard: Reiner Hex-String ohne Präfix (12B Nonce + 16B Tag + Ciphertext)
+    if stored.len() >= 56 {
+        if let Ok(bytes) = hex::decode(stored) {
+            if bytes.len() >= 28 {
+                let nonce = &bytes[0..12];
+                let tag = &bytes[12..28];
+                let ct = &bytes[28..];
+
+                if let Ok(cipher) = Aes256Gcm::new_from_slice(dek) {
+                    let mut buffer = ct.to_vec();
+                    if cipher
+                        .decrypt_in_place_detached(
+                            Nonce::from_slice(nonce),
+                            b"SANCTUM_NODE_NAME",
+                            &mut buffer,
+                            Tag::from_slice(tag),
+                        )
+                        .is_ok()
+                    {
+                        return String::from_utf8(buffer).ok();
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        }
     }
     None
 }
@@ -482,12 +510,19 @@ mod tests {
         let dek = generate_dek();
         let filename = "ultra_geheimes_dokument.pdf";
         let encrypted = encrypt_node_name(&dek, filename);
-        assert!(encrypted.starts_with("$h$"));
+        // Kein verräterisches Präfix mehr! Reines Hex.
+        assert!(!encrypted.starts_with("$h$"));
         assert!(!encrypted.contains(filename));
+        assert!(encrypted.len() >= 56);
 
         let decrypted = decrypt_node_name(&dek, &encrypted).expect("Decrypt name");
         assert_eq!(decrypted, filename);
 
+        // Abwärtskompatibilität: Legacy $h$<nonce>$<tag>$<ct> Format muss weiter entschlüsselt werden
+        let legacy_format = format!("$h${}${}${}", &encrypted[0..24], &encrypted[24..56], &encrypted[56..]);
+        let decrypted_legacy = decrypt_node_name(&dek, &legacy_format).expect("Decrypt legacy $h$ name");
+        assert_eq!(decrypted_legacy, filename);
+
         // Mit anderem DEK schlägt Entschlüsselung fehl
         let other_dek = generate_dek();
         assert!(decrypt_node_name(&other_dek, &encrypted).is_none());
diff --git a/src/main.rs b/src/main.rs
index e68035a..214ef9f 100644
--- a/src/main.rs
+++ b/src/main.rs
@@ -5,8 +5,8 @@ use clap::{Parser, Subcommand};
 use tracing_subscriber::EnvFilter;
 
 use sanctum::crypto::{
-    dek_to_mnemonic, derive_kek, generate_dek, generate_salt, mnemonic_to_dek, unwrap_dek,
-    wrap_dek, KdfParams, FORMAT_VERSION,
+    dek_to_mnemonic, derive_kek, generate_dek, generate_salt, mnemonic_to_dek, wrap_dek,
+    KdfParams, FORMAT_VERSION,
 };
 use sanctum::mount::{format_drive, mount_container, unmount_drive, ContainerAuth};
 use sanctum::recovery::{
@@ -425,23 +425,11 @@ fn handle_passwd(container_path: &Path, recovery_key: Option<&str>) -> Result<()
             .read_meta()
             .context("Konnte Container-Header nicht lesen")?;
 
-        ui::step(2, 4, "🔑", "Leite KEK via Argon2id ab & prüfe Passwort...");
-        let mut found = None;
-        for slot in &meta.slots {
-            if let Ok(old_kek) = derive_kek(&old_password, &slot.kdf_salt, &slot.kdf_params) {
-                if let Ok(d) = unwrap_dek(
-                    &old_kek,
-                    &slot.wrapped_dek,
-                    &slot.header_nonce,
-                    &slot.header_tag,
-                ) {
-                    found = Some((d, slot.slot_id));
-                    break;
-                }
-            }
-        }
-
-        found.ok_or_else(|| anyhow::anyhow!("Ungültiges aktuelles Master-Passwort! Authentifizierung fehlgeschlagen."))?
+        ui::step(2, 4, "🔑", "Leite KEK via Argon2id ab & prüfe Passwort (konstante Zeit)...");
+        let (d, _ver, slot_id) = meta
+            .authenticate(&old_password)
+            .ok_or_else(|| anyhow::anyhow!("Ungültiges aktuelles Master-Passwort! Authentifizierung fehlgeschlagen."))?;
+        (d, slot_id)
     };
 
     println!();
@@ -592,17 +580,9 @@ fn handle_recovery_key(container_path: &Path) -> Result<()> {
         .context("Konnte Container-Datenbank nicht öffnen")?;
     let meta = db.read_meta().context("Konnte Container-Header nicht lesen")?;
 
-    let mut found = None;
-    for slot in &meta.slots {
-        if let Ok(kek) = derive_kek(&password, &slot.kdf_salt, &slot.kdf_params) {
-            if let Ok(dek) = unwrap_dek(&kek, &slot.wrapped_dek, &slot.header_nonce, &slot.header_tag) {
-                found = Some((dek, slot.slot_id));
-                break;
-            }
-        }
-    }
-
-    let (dek, slot_id) = found.ok_or_else(|| anyhow::anyhow!("Ungültiges Master-Passwort!"))?;
+    let (dek, _ver, slot_id) = meta
+        .authenticate(&password)
+        .ok_or_else(|| anyhow::anyhow!("Ungültiges Master-Passwort!"))?;
 
     let phrase = dek_to_mnemonic(&dek)?;
     if slot_id == 1 {
@@ -631,19 +611,10 @@ fn handle_verify(container_path: &Path, full: bool) -> Result<()> {
         let db = Database::open(container_path).context("Konnte Container nicht öffnen")?;
         let meta = db.read_meta().context("Konnte Header nicht lesen")?;
 
-        let mut found = None;
-        for slot in &meta.slots {
-            if let Ok(kek) = derive_kek(&password, &slot.kdf_salt, &slot.kdf_params) {
-                if let Ok(d) = unwrap_dek(&kek, &slot.wrapped_dek, &slot.header_nonce, &slot.header_tag) {
-                    found = Some(d);
-                    break;
-                }
-            }
-        }
-
-        match found {
-            Some(d) => {
-                println!("  {} Master-Passwort verifiziert. Führe kryptografische AEAD-Vollprüfung durch...", ui::green("✔"));
+        match meta.authenticate(&password) {
+            Some((d, _ver, slot_id)) => {
+                let vault_desc = if slot_id == 1 { "Hidden Vault (Slot 1)" } else { "Decoy Vault (Slot 0)" };
+                println!("  {} Master-Passwort verifiziert ({}). Führe kryptografische AEAD-Vollprüfung durch...", ui::green("✔"), ui::cyan(vault_desc));
                 Some(d)
             }
             None => {
diff --git a/src/mount.rs b/src/mount.rs
index 19a21ef..dd55230 100644
--- a/src/mount.rs
+++ b/src/mount.rs
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ use tokio::net::TcpListener;
 use tokio::sync::watch;
 use tracing::{debug, warn};
 
-use crate::crypto::{derive_kek, mnemonic_to_dek, unwrap_dek};
+use crate::crypto::mnemonic_to_dek;
 use crate::storage::Database;
 use crate::ui;
 use crate::vfs::SanctumFs;
@@ -109,24 +109,8 @@ pub async fn mount_container(
 
     let (dek, version, vault_id) = match auth {
         ContainerAuth::Password(ref password) => {
-            ui::step(2, 4, "🔑", "Leite KEK via Argon2id ab...");
-            let mut unwrapped = None;
-
-            for slot in &meta.slots {
-                if let Ok(kek) = derive_kek(password, &slot.kdf_salt, &slot.kdf_params) {
-                    if let Ok(dek) = unwrap_dek(
-                        &kek,
-                        &slot.wrapped_dek,
-                        &slot.header_nonce,
-                        &slot.header_tag,
-                    ) {
-                        unwrapped = Some((dek, slot.version, slot.slot_id));
-                        break;
-                    }
-                }
-            }
-
-            match unwrapped {
+            ui::step(2, 4, "🔑", "Leite KEK via Argon2id ab (konstante Zeit über alle Slots)...");
+            match meta.authenticate(password) {
                 Some((dek, ver, slot_id)) => {
                     ui::step(3, 4, "🔓", "Master-Passwort erfolgreich verifiziert & DEK entschlüsselt!");
                     (dek, ver, slot_id)
@@ -142,15 +126,12 @@ pub async fn mount_container(
                 .context("Ungültiger 24-Wort Notfallschlüssel")?;
             ui::step(3, 4, "🔓", "Notfallschlüssel erfolgreich verifiziert!");
 
-            let vault_id = if db.has_hidden_vault().unwrap_or(false) {
-                let is_hidden = {
-                    let children = db.list_children_in_vault(2, 1, &dek).unwrap_or_default();
-                    !children.is_empty()
-                };
-                if is_hidden { 1 } else { 0 }
-            } else {
-                0
+            // Prüfe, ob dek Dateien im Hidden Vault (Root 2) entschlüsseln kann
+            let is_hidden = {
+                let children = db.list_children_in_vault(2, 1, &dek).unwrap_or_default();
+                !children.is_empty()
             };
+            let vault_id = if is_hidden { 1 } else { 0 };
             (dek, meta.version, vault_id)
         }
     };
diff --git a/src/recovery.rs b/src/recovery.rs
index b4fe1b5..794b5ef 100644
--- a/src/recovery.rs
+++ b/src/recovery.rs
@@ -13,6 +13,18 @@ use crate::storage::{ContainerMeta, Database, SlotMeta};
 pub const HEADER_BACKUP_MAGIC: &str = "SANCTUM_HEADER_BACKUP";
 pub const CURRENT_BACKUP_VERSION: u32 = 1;
 
+/// Struktur für einen gesicherten Header-Slot.
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+pub struct SlotBackup {
+    pub slot_id: u32,
+    pub version: u32,
+    pub kdf_salt_hex: String,
+    pub kdf_params: KdfParams,
+    pub wrapped_dek_hex: String,
+    pub header_nonce_hex: String,
+    pub header_tag_hex: String,
+}
+
 /// Struktur für exportierte Header-Backups (.sanctum.hdr) im JSON-Format.
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize)]
 pub struct HeaderBackup {
@@ -24,6 +36,8 @@ pub struct HeaderBackup {
     pub wrapped_dek_hex: String,
     pub header_nonce_hex: String,
     pub header_tag_hex: String,
+    #[serde(default)]
+    pub slots: Vec<SlotBackup>,
     pub created_at: u64,
 }
 
@@ -34,6 +48,20 @@ impl HeaderBackup {
             .map(|d| d.as_secs())
             .unwrap_or(0);
 
+        let slots: Vec<SlotBackup> = meta
+            .slots
+            .iter()
+            .map(|s| SlotBackup {
+                slot_id: s.slot_id,
+                version: s.version,
+                kdf_salt_hex: hex::encode(s.kdf_salt),
+                kdf_params: s.kdf_params.clone(),
+                wrapped_dek_hex: hex::encode(&s.wrapped_dek),
+                header_nonce_hex: hex::encode(s.header_nonce),
+                header_tag_hex: hex::encode(s.header_tag),
+            })
+            .collect();
+
         Self {
             magic: HEADER_BACKUP_MAGIC.to_string(),
             backup_version: CURRENT_BACKUP_VERSION,
@@ -43,6 +71,7 @@ impl HeaderBackup {
             wrapped_dek_hex: hex::encode(&meta.wrapped_dek),
             header_nonce_hex: hex::encode(meta.header_nonce),
             header_tag_hex: hex::encode(meta.header_tag),
+            slots,
             created_at: now,
         }
     }
@@ -52,51 +81,97 @@ impl HeaderBackup {
             bail!("Ungültige Header-Backup-Datei: Falsches Magic-Präfix");
         }
 
-        let salt_bytes = hex::decode(&self.kdf_salt_hex)
-            .context("Ungültige Hex-Kodierung für KDF-Salt")?;
-        if salt_bytes.len() != 16 {
-            bail!("Ungültige Salt-Länge im Backup: erwartet 16 Bytes, erhalten {}", salt_bytes.len());
+        let mut slots = Vec::new();
+
+        if !self.slots.is_empty() {
+            for s in &self.slots {
+                let salt_bytes = hex::decode(&s.kdf_salt_hex)
+                    .context("Ungültige Hex-Kodierung für KDF-Salt")?;
+                if salt_bytes.len() != 16 {
+                    bail!("Ungültige Salt-Länge im Backup: erwartet 16 Bytes, erhalten {}", salt_bytes.len());
+                }
+                let mut kdf_salt = [0u8; 16];
+                kdf_salt.copy_from_slice(&salt_bytes);
+
+                let wrapped_dek = hex::decode(&s.wrapped_dek_hex)
+                    .context("Ungültige Hex-Kodierung für wrapped_dek")?;
+
+                let nonce_bytes = hex::decode(&s.header_nonce_hex)
+                    .context("Ungültige Hex-Kodierung für Header-Nonce")?;
+                if nonce_bytes.len() != 12 {
+                    bail!("Ungültige Nonce-Länge im Backup: erwartet 12 Bytes, erhalten {}", nonce_bytes.len());
+                }
+                let mut header_nonce = [0u8; 12];
+                header_nonce.copy_from_slice(&nonce_bytes);
+
+                let tag_bytes = hex::decode(&s.header_tag_hex)
+                    .context("Ungültige Hex-Kodierung für Header-Tag")?;
+                if tag_bytes.len() != 16 {
+                    bail!("Ungültige Tag-Länge im Backup: erwartet 16 Bytes, erhalten {}", tag_bytes.len());
+                }
+                let mut header_tag = [0u8; 16];
+                header_tag.copy_from_slice(&tag_bytes);
+
+                slots.push(SlotMeta {
+                    slot_id: s.slot_id,
+                    version: s.version,
+                    kdf_salt,
+                    kdf_params: s.kdf_params.clone(),
+                    wrapped_dek,
+                    header_nonce,
+                    header_tag,
+                });
+            }
+        } else {
+            // Fallback für alte Backups ohne slots-Array
+            let salt_bytes = hex::decode(&self.kdf_salt_hex)
+                .context("Ungültige Hex-Kodierung für KDF-Salt")?;
+            if salt_bytes.len() != 16 {
+                bail!("Ungültige Salt-Länge im Backup: erwartet 16 Bytes, erhalten {}", salt_bytes.len());
+            }
+            let mut kdf_salt = [0u8; 16];
+            kdf_salt.copy_from_slice(&salt_bytes);
+
+            let wrapped_dek = hex::decode(&self.wrapped_dek_hex)
+                .context("Ungültige Hex-Kodierung für wrapped_dek")?;
+
+            let nonce_bytes = hex::decode(&self.header_nonce_hex)
+                .context("Ungültige Hex-Kodierung für Header-Nonce")?;
+            if nonce_bytes.len() != 12 {
+                bail!("Ungültige Nonce-Länge im Backup: erwartet 12 Bytes, erhalten {}", nonce_bytes.len());
+            }
+            let mut header_nonce = [0u8; 12];
+            header_nonce.copy_from_slice(&nonce_bytes);
+
+            let tag_bytes = hex::decode(&self.header_tag_hex)
+                .context("Ungültige Hex-Kodierung für Header-Tag")?;
+            if tag_bytes.len() != 16 {
+                bail!("Ungültige Tag-Länge im Backup: erwartet 16 Bytes, erhalten {}", tag_bytes.len());
+            }
+            let mut header_tag = [0u8; 16];
+            header_tag.copy_from_slice(&tag_bytes);
+
+            let slot0 = SlotMeta {
+                slot_id: 0,
+                version: self.container_format_version,
+                kdf_salt,
+                kdf_params: self.kdf_params.clone(),
+                wrapped_dek: wrapped_dek.clone(),
+                header_nonce,
+                header_tag,
+            };
+            slots.push(slot0);
         }
-        let mut kdf_salt = [0u8; 16];
-        kdf_salt.copy_from_slice(&salt_bytes);
-
-        let wrapped_dek = hex::decode(&self.wrapped_dek_hex)
-            .context("Ungültige Hex-Kodierung für wrapped_dek")?;
-
-        let nonce_bytes = hex::decode(&self.header_nonce_hex)
-            .context("Ungültige Hex-Kodierung für Header-Nonce")?;
-        if nonce_bytes.len() != 12 {
-            bail!("Ungültige Nonce-Länge im Backup: erwartet 12 Bytes, erhalten {}", nonce_bytes.len());
-        }
-        let mut header_nonce = [0u8; 12];
-        header_nonce.copy_from_slice(&nonce_bytes);
-
-        let tag_bytes = hex::decode(&self.header_tag_hex)
-            .context("Ungültige Hex-Kodierung für Header-Tag")?;
-        if tag_bytes.len() != 16 {
-            bail!("Ungültige Tag-Länge im Backup: erwartet 16 Bytes, erhalten {}", tag_bytes.len());
-        }
-        let mut header_tag = [0u8; 16];
-        header_tag.copy_from_slice(&tag_bytes);
-
-        let slot0 = SlotMeta {
-            slot_id: 0,
-            version: self.container_format_version,
-            kdf_salt,
-            kdf_params: self.kdf_params.clone(),
-            wrapped_dek: wrapped_dek.clone(),
-            header_nonce,
-            header_tag,
-        };
 
+        let slot0 = &slots[0];
         Ok(ContainerMeta {
-            version: self.container_format_version,
-            kdf_salt,
-            kdf_params: self.kdf_params.clone(),
-            wrapped_dek,
-            header_nonce,
-            header_tag,
-            slots: vec![slot0],
+            version: slot0.version,
+            kdf_salt: slot0.kdf_salt,
+            kdf_params: slot0.kdf_params.clone(),
+            wrapped_dek: slot0.wrapped_dek.clone(),
+            header_nonce: slot0.header_nonce,
+            header_tag: slot0.header_tag,
+            slots,
         })
     }
 }
@@ -187,6 +262,17 @@ pub fn restore_header_from_recovery_key(
         header_tag,
     };
 
+    // 4. In Container schreiben (bestehenden Slot 1 wie Hidden Vault oder Dummy bewahren)
+    let db = Database::open(container_path)
+        .context("Konnte Container-Datenbank nicht öffnen")?;
+
+    let mut slots = vec![slot0];
+    if let Ok(existing_slots) = db.read_slots() {
+        if let Some(s1) = existing_slots.into_iter().find(|s| s.slot_id == 1) {
+            slots.push(s1);
+        }
+    }
+
     let meta = ContainerMeta {
         version: FORMAT_VERSION,
         kdf_salt: salt,
@@ -194,13 +280,9 @@ pub fn restore_header_from_recovery_key(
         wrapped_dek,
         header_nonce,
         header_tag,
-        slots: vec![slot0],
+        slots,
     };
 
-    // 4. In Container schreiben
-    let db = Database::open(container_path)
-        .context("Konnte Container-Datenbank nicht öffnen")?;
-
     db.restore_meta(&meta)
         .context("Fehler beim Schreiben des rekonstruierten Headers")?;
 
diff --git a/src/storage.rs b/src/storage.rs
index c97d42f..df11801 100644
--- a/src/storage.rs
+++ b/src/storage.rs
@@ -8,9 +8,10 @@ use rand::RngCore;
 use rusqlite::{params, Connection, OptionalExtension};
 
 use crate::crypto::{
-    decrypt_node_name, encrypt_node_name, generate_dummy_slot, KdfParams, FORMAT_VERSION,
-    FORMAT_VERSION_V1, FORMAT_VERSION_V2, MAGIC_BYTES,
+    decrypt_node_name, derive_kek, encrypt_node_name, generate_dummy_slot, unwrap_dek, KdfParams,
+    FORMAT_VERSION, FORMAT_VERSION_V1, FORMAT_VERSION_V2, MAGIC_BYTES,
 };
+use zeroize::Zeroizing;
 
 #[allow(dead_code)]
 #[derive(Debug, Clone)]
@@ -57,6 +58,28 @@ pub struct ContainerMeta {
     pub slots: Vec<SlotMeta>,
 }
 
+impl ContainerMeta {
+    /// Authentifiziert ein Master-Passwort über alle Header-Slots in strikt konstanter Zeit (Anti-Timing Side-Channel).
+    /// Führt für ausnahmslos ALLE vorhandenen Slots die KDF-Ableitung und das DEK-Unwrapping durch.
+    /// Dadurch ist die Rechenzeit für Decoy und Hidden Vault bit-genau identisch (2x Argon2id).
+    pub fn authenticate(&self, password: &str) -> Option<(Zeroizing<[u8; 32]>, u32, u32)> {
+        let mut matching = None;
+        for slot in &self.slots {
+            let res = derive_kek(password, &slot.kdf_salt, &slot.kdf_params)
+                .ok()
+                .and_then(|kek| {
+                    unwrap_dek(&kek, &slot.wrapped_dek, &slot.header_nonce, &slot.header_tag).ok()
+                });
+            if let Some(dek) = res {
+                if matching.is_none() {
+                    matching = Some((dek, slot.version, slot.slot_id));
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        matching
+    }
+}
+
 #[derive(Clone)]
 pub struct Database {
     conn: Arc<Mutex<Connection>>,
@@ -97,7 +120,13 @@ impl Database {
         self.conn.lock().unwrap()
     }
 
-    /// Führt automatische, rückwärtskompatible Schema-Upgrades (z. B. Spalten slot_id und vault_id, auto_vacuum) durch.
+    /// Authentifiziert ein Master-Passwort gegen den Container in konstanter Zeit.
+    pub fn authenticate_password(&self, password: &str) -> Result<Option<(Zeroizing<[u8; 32]>, u32, u32)>> {
+        let meta = self.read_meta()?;
+        Ok(meta.authenticate(password))
+    }
+
+    /// Führt automatische, rückwärtskompatible Schema-Upgrades (z. B. Spalte slot_id, auto_vacuum) durch.
     pub fn ensure_schema_upgrades(&self) -> Result<()> {
         let conn = self.conn.lock().unwrap();
         let av: i64 = conn.query_row("PRAGMA auto_vacuum;", [], |r| r.get(0)).unwrap_or(0);
@@ -106,16 +135,9 @@ impl Database {
             let _ = conn.execute_batch("PRAGMA auto_vacuum = INCREMENTAL; VACUUM;");
         }
 
-        // Spalte slot_id in meta
+        // Spalte slot_id in meta (falls aus v1 migriert)
         let _ = conn.execute("ALTER TABLE meta ADD COLUMN slot_id INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0", []);
 
-        // Spalte vault_id in nodes
-        let _ = conn.execute("ALTER TABLE nodes ADD COLUMN vault_id INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0", []);
-        let _ = conn.execute("CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_nodes_vault_parent ON nodes(vault_id, parent_id)", []);
-
-        // Spalte vault_id in chunks
-        let _ = conn.execute("ALTER TABLE chunks ADD COLUMN vault_id INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0", []);
-
         Ok(())
     }
 
@@ -195,21 +217,11 @@ impl Database {
         Ok(())
     }
 
-    /// Prüft, ob ein Hidden Vault (Wurzelknoten 2 mit vault_id = 1) im Container existiert.
-    pub fn has_hidden_vault(&self) -> Result<bool> {
-        let conn = self.conn.lock().unwrap();
-        let exists: bool = conn
-            .query_row(
-                "SELECT 1 FROM nodes WHERE id = 2 AND vault_id = 1 LIMIT 1",
-                [],
-                |_| Ok(true),
-            )
-            .optional()?
-            .unwrap_or(false);
-        Ok(exists)
-    }
-
     /// Initialisiert das Datenbankschema mit Unterstützung für Plausible Deniability (optionaler Hidden Vault).
+    /// Sowohl Standard-Container als auch Container mit Hidden Vault besitzen eine bit- und schemagleiche Struktur:
+    /// - 2 Slots in der meta-Tabelle (Slot 0 + Slot 1 mit echtem KEK oder ununterscheidbarem CSPRNG-Rauschen)
+    /// - 2 Root-Knoten (id=1 für Vault 0, id=2 für Vault 1)
+    /// - Keinerlei Klartext-Kennzeichnungen wie `vault_id` in SQLite
     pub fn init_schema_with_hidden(
         &self,
         salt: &[u8; 16],
@@ -235,7 +247,6 @@ impl Database {
 
             CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS nodes (
                 id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY AUTOINCREMENT,
-                vault_id INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0,
                 parent_id INTEGER,
                 name TEXT NOT NULL,
                 is_dir INTEGER NOT NULL,
@@ -244,11 +255,10 @@ impl Database {
                 modified_at INTEGER NOT NULL,
                 FOREIGN KEY(parent_id) REFERENCES nodes(id) ON DELETE CASCADE
             );
-            CREATE UNIQUE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_nodes_parent_name ON nodes(vault_id, COALESCE(parent_id, 0), name);
+            CREATE UNIQUE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_nodes_parent_name ON nodes(parent_id, name) WHERE parent_id IS NOT NULL;
 
             CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS chunks (
                 node_id INTEGER NOT NULL,
-                vault_id INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0,
                 chunk_index INTEGER NOT NULL,
                 nonce BLOB NOT NULL,
                 tag BLOB NOT NULL,
@@ -274,11 +284,16 @@ impl Database {
             ],
         )?;
 
-        // Wurzelknoten '/' für Vault 0 (id = 1, vault_id = 0) anlegen
+        // Wurzelknoten für beide Vaults anlegen (immer vorhanden für einheitliche Struktur)
         let now = current_timestamp();
         conn.execute(
-            "INSERT OR IGNORE INTO nodes (id, vault_id, parent_id, name, is_dir, size, created_at, modified_at)
-             VALUES (1, 0, NULL, '', 1, 0, ?1, ?2)",
+            "INSERT OR IGNORE INTO nodes (id, parent_id, name, is_dir, size, created_at, modified_at)
+             VALUES (1, NULL, '', 1, 0, ?1, ?2)",
+            params![now, now],
+        )?;
+        conn.execute(
+            "INSERT OR IGNORE INTO nodes (id, parent_id, name, is_dir, size, created_at, modified_at)
+             VALUES (2, NULL, '', 1, 0, ?1, ?2)",
             params![now, now],
         )?;
 
@@ -298,13 +313,6 @@ impl Database {
                     h_tag.as_slice(),
                 ],
             )?;
-
-            // Wurzelknoten '/' für Hidden Vault (id = 2, vault_id = 1) anlegen
-            conn.execute(
-                "INSERT OR IGNORE INTO nodes (id, vault_id, parent_id, name, is_dir, size, created_at, modified_at)
-                 VALUES (2, 1, NULL, '', 1, 0, ?1, ?2)",
-                params![now, now],
-            )?;
         } else {
             // Fülle Slot 1 mit CSPRNG-Zufallsdaten gleicher Struktur und Entropie
             let (dummy_dek, dummy_nonce, dummy_tag, dummy_salt) = generate_dummy_slot();
@@ -509,7 +517,7 @@ impl Database {
                 let mut stmt = conn.prepare(
                     "SELECT id, parent_id, name, is_dir, size, created_at, modified_at
                      FROM nodes
-                     WHERE vault_id = 0 AND parent_id = ?1 AND name = ?2",
+                     WHERE parent_id = ?1 AND name = ?2",
                 )?;
 
                 let record: Option<NodeRecord> = stmt
@@ -541,7 +549,7 @@ impl Database {
                 let mut stmt = conn.prepare(
                     "SELECT id, parent_id, name, is_dir, size, created_at, modified_at
                      FROM nodes
-                     WHERE vault_id = 1 AND parent_id = ?1",
+                     WHERE parent_id = ?1",
                 )?;
 
                 let rows = stmt.query_map(params![current_id], |row| {
@@ -604,11 +612,11 @@ impl Database {
         let conn = self.conn.lock().unwrap();
         let mut stmt = conn.prepare(
             "SELECT id, parent_id, name, is_dir, size, created_at, modified_at
-             FROM nodes WHERE id = ?1 AND vault_id = ?2",
+             FROM nodes WHERE id = ?1",
         )?;
 
         let record = stmt
-            .query_row(params![id, vault_id], |row| {
+            .query_row(params![id], |row| {
                 let enc_name: String = row.get(2)?;
                 let name = if vault_id == 1 {
                     decrypt_node_name(dek, &enc_name).unwrap_or(enc_name)
@@ -646,11 +654,11 @@ impl Database {
         let mut stmt = conn.prepare(
             "SELECT id, parent_id, name, is_dir, size, created_at, modified_at
              FROM nodes
-             WHERE vault_id = ?1 AND parent_id = ?2
+             WHERE parent_id = ?1
              ORDER BY is_dir DESC, id ASC",
         )?;
 
-        let rows = stmt.query_map(params![vault_id, parent_id], |row| {
+        let rows = stmt.query_map(params![parent_id], |row| {
             let enc_name: String = row.get(2)?;
             let name = if vault_id == 1 {
                 decrypt_node_name(dek, &enc_name).unwrap_or(enc_name)
@@ -700,9 +708,9 @@ impl Database {
         };
 
         conn.execute(
-            "INSERT INTO nodes (vault_id, parent_id, name, is_dir, size, created_at, modified_at)
-             VALUES (?1, ?2, ?3, ?4, 0, ?5, ?6)",
-            params![vault_id, parent_id, stored_name, if is_dir { 1 } else { 0 }, now, now],
+            "INSERT INTO nodes (parent_id, name, is_dir, size, created_at, modified_at)
+             VALUES (?1, ?2, ?3, 0, ?4, ?5)",
+            params![parent_id, stored_name, if is_dir { 1 } else { 0 }, now, now],
         )?;
 
         let new_id = conn.last_insert_rowid();
@@ -927,8 +935,12 @@ impl Database {
 
         conn.execute("DELETE FROM meta", [])?;
 
+        let mut has_slot1 = false;
         if !meta.slots.is_empty() {
             for slot in &meta.slots {
+                if slot.slot_id == 1 {
+                    has_slot1 = true;
+                }
                 let params_json = serde_json::to_string(&slot.kdf_params)?;
                 conn.execute(
                     "INSERT INTO meta (slot_id, magic, version, kdf_salt, kdf_params, wrapped_dek, header_nonce, header_tag)
@@ -960,8 +972,10 @@ impl Database {
                     meta.header_tag.as_slice(),
                 ],
             )?;
+        }
 
-            // Dummy-Slot 1 für Plausible Deniability generieren
+        // Falls Slot 1 nicht existiert (z. B. altes Single-Slot Backup), erzeuge Dummy-Slot für Plausible Deniability
+        if !has_slot1 {
             let (dummy_dek, dummy_nonce, dummy_tag, dummy_salt) = generate_dummy_slot();
             let dummy_params_json = serde_json::to_string(&KdfParams::default())?;
             conn.execute(
@@ -1234,8 +1248,6 @@ mod tests {
             Some((&salt1, &kdf_params1, &wrapped_dek1, &nonce1, &tag1)),
         ).unwrap();
 
-        assert!(db.has_hidden_vault().unwrap());
-
         // Slots prüfen
         let slots = db.read_slots().unwrap();
         assert_eq!(slots.len(), 2);
@@ -1268,7 +1280,7 @@ mod tests {
         let res_decoy_in_v1 = db.resolve_path_in_vault("/public_recipe.txt", 1, &dek1).unwrap();
         assert!(res_decoy_in_v1.is_none(), "Vault 1 darf keine Dateien aus Vault 0 auflösen!");
 
-        // Forensische Prüfung: Roh-Inspektion der SQLite-Tabelle `nodes`
+        // Forensische Prüfung: Roh-Inspektion der SQLite-Tabellen
         let conn = db.conn.lock().unwrap();
         let raw_name_v0: String = conn.query_row(
             "SELECT name FROM nodes WHERE id = ?1",
@@ -1282,7 +1294,23 @@ mod tests {
             params![hidden_file.id],
             |r| r.get(0),
         ).unwrap();
-        assert!(raw_name_v1.starts_with("$h$"), "Hidden Vault Dateiname muss verschlüsselt mit $h$ beginnen");
+        // Plausible Deniability: Kein $h$-Präfix, kein Klartext
+        assert!(!raw_name_v1.starts_with("$h$"), "Hidden Vault Dateiname darf kein $h$-Präfix mehr besitzen");
         assert!(!raw_name_v1.contains("classified_leak"), "Plaintext darf keinesfalls in SQLite DB auftauchen");
+
+        // Keine Spalte `vault_id` in nodes oder chunks
+        let has_vault_id_nodes: i64 = conn.query_row(
+            "SELECT count(*) FROM pragma_table_info('nodes') WHERE name = 'vault_id'",
+            [],
+            |r| r.get(0),
+        ).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(has_vault_id_nodes, 0, "vault_id darf nicht in nodes existieren");
+
+        let has_vault_id_chunks: i64 = conn.query_row(
+            "SELECT count(*) FROM pragma_table_info('chunks') WHERE name = 'vault_id'",
+            [],
+            |r| r.get(0),
+        ).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(has_vault_id_chunks, 0, "vault_id darf nicht in chunks existieren");
     }
 }
diff --git a/src/verify.rs b/src/verify.rs
index cd42015..0f522c1 100644
--- a/src/verify.rs
+++ b/src/verify.rs
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ pub fn verify_container(
         node_map.insert(node.id, node.clone());
     }
 
-    // Root-Knoten prüfen (id = 1)
+    // Root-Knoten prüfen (id = 1 und optional id = 2 für Hidden Vault)
     match node_map.get(&1) {
         Some(root) => {
             if !root.is_dir {
@@ -125,9 +125,18 @@ pub fn verify_container(
         }
     }
 
+    if let Some(root2) = node_map.get(&2) {
+        if !root2.is_dir {
+            report.errors.push("Root-Knoten (id=2) ist nicht als Verzeichnis markiert!".to_string());
+        }
+        if root2.parent_id.is_some() {
+            report.errors.push("Root-Knoten (id=2) darf keinen Parent haben!".to_string());
+        }
+    }
+
     // Alle anderen Knoten prüfen: Existenz des Parents, keine Zyklen
     for node in &all_nodes {
-        if node.id == 1 {
+        if node.id == 1 || node.id == 2 {
             continue;
         }
 
@@ -174,6 +183,54 @@ pub fn verify_container(
         }
     }
 
+    // Ermittle die Abstammung aller Knoten zu Root 1 (Vault 0) bzw. Root 2 (Vault 1)
+    let mut vault0_nodes = HashSet::new();
+    let mut vault1_nodes = HashSet::new();
+    vault0_nodes.insert(1i64);
+    if node_map.contains_key(&2) {
+        vault1_nodes.insert(2i64);
+    }
+
+    let mut changed = true;
+    while changed {
+        changed = false;
+        for node in &all_nodes {
+            if let Some(pid) = node.parent_id {
+                if vault0_nodes.contains(&pid) && !vault0_nodes.contains(&node.id) {
+                    vault0_nodes.insert(node.id);
+                    changed = true;
+                } else if vault1_nodes.contains(&pid) && !vault1_nodes.contains(&node.id) {
+                    vault1_nodes.insert(node.id);
+                    changed = true;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Falls ein DEK übergeben wurde: Bestimme, zu welchem Vault er gehört
+    let active_vault_nodes = if let Some(active_dek) = dek {
+        let is_vault1 = {
+            let mut found_v1 = false;
+            for node in &all_nodes {
+                if node.parent_id == Some(2) {
+                    if crate::crypto::decrypt_node_name(active_dek, &node.name).is_some() {
+                        found_v1 = true;
+                        break;
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+            found_v1
+        };
+
+        if is_vault1 {
+            Some(&vault1_nodes)
+        } else {
+            Some(&vault0_nodes)
+        }
+    } else {
+        None
+    };
+
     // 4. Kryptografische Chunk- & AEAD-Authentifizierungsprüfung
     let chunk_headers = db.list_all_chunk_headers()
         .context("Fehler beim Abrufen der Chunk-Liste")?;
@@ -187,8 +244,9 @@ pub fn verify_container(
             ));
         }
 
-        if let Some(active_dek) = dek {
-            if full_chunks {
+        if let (Some(active_dek), Some(target_nodes)) = (dek, active_vault_nodes) {
+            // Nur Chunks verifizieren, die zum verifizierten Tresor gehören (kein Falschalarm für Hidden Vault)
+            if target_nodes.contains(&node_id) && full_chunks {
                 match db.read_chunk(node_id, chunk_index) {
                     Ok(Some(record)) => {
                         match decrypt_chunk(
@@ -283,7 +341,7 @@ mod tests {
         let report = verify_container(&container_path, Some(&dek), true).expect("Verify container");
         assert!(report.is_healthy(), "Container must be healthy, report: {:?}", report);
         assert_eq!(report.total_files, 1);
-        assert_eq!(report.total_dirs, 2); // Root + photos
+        assert_eq!(report.total_dirs, 3); // Root 1 + Root 2 (Plausible Deniability) + photos
         assert_eq!(report.total_chunks, 2);
         assert_eq!(report.corrupted_chunks, 0);
         assert_eq!(report.orphan_nodes, 0);
diff --git a/tests/integration_test.rs b/tests/integration_test.rs
index 36a0753..4f49f13 100644
--- a/tests/integration_test.rs
+++ b/tests/integration_test.rs
@@ -792,6 +792,188 @@ async fn test_hidden_vault_and_storage_compaction_integration() {
     let _ = std::fs::remove_file(&container_path);
 }
 
+#[tokio::test]
+async fn test_plausible_deniability_phase1_indistinguishability_and_safeguards() {
+    let temp_dir = std::env::temp_dir();
+    let path_standard: PathBuf = temp_dir.join(format!("test_denial_std_{}.sanctum", std::process::id()));
+    let path_dual: PathBuf = temp_dir.join(format!("test_denial_dual_{}.sanctum", std::process::id()));
+    let backup_path: PathBuf = temp_dir.join(format!("test_denial_dual_{}.sanctum.hdr", std::process::id()));
+
+    if path_standard.exists() {
+        let _ = std::fs::remove_file(&path_standard);
+    }
+    if path_dual.exists() {
+        let _ = std::fs::remove_file(&path_dual);
+    }
+    if backup_path.exists() {
+        let _ = std::fs::remove_file(&backup_path);
+    }
+
+    let pass_decoy = "OuterDecoyPassphrase2026!";
+    let pass_hidden = "InnerHiddenVaultPass2026!";
+    let kdf_params = KdfParams {
+        memory_cost: 1024,
+        time_cost: 1,
+        parallelism: 1,
+    };
+
+    // 1. Erstelle Standard-Container (Container A)
+    let salt_std = generate_salt();
+    let kek_std = derive_kek(pass_decoy, &salt_std, &kdf_params).unwrap();
+    let dek_std = generate_dek();
+    let (wrapped_std, nonce_std, tag_std) = wrap_dek(&kek_std, &dek_std).unwrap();
+
+    let db_std = Database::open(&path_standard).unwrap();
+    db_std.init_schema(&salt_std, &kdf_params, &wrapped_std, &nonce_std, &tag_std).unwrap();
+    db_std.checkpoint().unwrap();
+
+    // 2. Erstelle Dual-Vault Container (Container B)
+    let salt_b0 = generate_salt();
+    let salt_b1 = generate_salt();
+    let kek_b0 = derive_kek(pass_decoy, &salt_b0, &kdf_params).unwrap();
+    let kek_b1 = derive_kek(pass_hidden, &salt_b1, &kdf_params).unwrap();
+    let dek_b0 = generate_dek();
+    let dek_b1 = generate_dek();
+    let (wrapped_b0, nonce_b0, tag_b0) = wrap_dek(&kek_b0, &dek_b0).unwrap();
+    let (wrapped_b1, nonce_b1, tag_b1) = wrap_dek(&kek_b1, &dek_b1).unwrap();
+
+    let db_dual = Database::open(&path_dual).unwrap();
+    db_dual.init_schema_with_hidden(
+        &salt_b0, &kdf_params, &wrapped_b0, &nonce_b0, &tag_b0,
+        Some((&salt_b1, &kdf_params, &wrapped_b1, &nonce_b1, &tag_b1)),
+    ).unwrap();
+    db_dual.checkpoint().unwrap();
+
+    // 3. FORENSISCHER VERGLEICH: Schema- und Struktur-Ununterscheidbarkeit
+    let conn_std = rusqlite::Connection::open(&path_standard).unwrap();
+    let conn_dual = rusqlite::Connection::open(&path_dual).unwrap();
+
+    // A) Keine `vault_id` Spalte in nodes oder chunks in beiden Containern
+    for (name, conn) in [("Standard", &conn_std), ("Dual", &conn_dual)] {
+        let v_nodes: i64 = conn.query_row(
+            "SELECT count(*) FROM pragma_table_info('nodes') WHERE name = 'vault_id'", [], |r| r.get(0)
+        ).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(v_nodes, 0, "{} Container darf keine vault_id in nodes haben", name);
+
+        let v_chunks: i64 = conn.query_row(
+            "SELECT count(*) FROM pragma_table_info('chunks') WHERE name = 'vault_id'", [], |r| r.get(0)
+        ).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(v_chunks, 0, "{} Container darf keine vault_id in chunks haben", name);
+
+        // Genau 2 Slots in meta
+        let slot_count: i64 = conn.query_row("SELECT count(*) FROM meta", [], |r| r.get(0)).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(slot_count, 2, "{} Container muss exakt 2 Slots haben", name);
+
+        // Genau 2 Root-Nodes in nodes (id=1 und id=2)
+        let root_count: i64 = conn.query_row("SELECT count(*) FROM nodes WHERE parent_id IS NULL", [], |r| r.get(0)).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(root_count, 2, "{} Container muss exakt 2 Root-Nodes (id=1, id=2) haben", name);
+    }
+    drop(conn_std);
+    drop(conn_dual);
+
+    // 4. Dateien in beiden Vaults von Container B anlegen
+    let fs_decoy = SanctumFs::with_vault(db_dual.clone(), dek_b0.clone(), FORMAT_VERSION, true, 0);
+    let fs_hidden = SanctumFs::with_vault(db_dual.clone(), dek_b1.clone(), FORMAT_VERSION, true, 1);
+
+    let decoy_path = DavPath::new("/family_recipe.txt").unwrap();
+    let hidden_path = DavPath::new("/private_journal.docx").unwrap();
+
+    let mut opts_w = OpenOptions::default();
+    opts_w.write = true;
+    opts_w.create_new = true;
+
+    let mut f_d = fs_decoy.open(&decoy_path, opts_w.clone()).await.unwrap();
+    f_d.write_bytes(Bytes::from_static(b"Flour, Sugar, Eggs, Milk")).await.unwrap();
+    f_d.flush().await.unwrap();
+    drop(f_d);
+
+    let mut f_h = fs_hidden.open(&hidden_path, opts_w).await.unwrap();
+    f_h.write_bytes(Bytes::from_static(b"My deepest personal thoughts and secrets.")).await.unwrap();
+    f_h.flush().await.unwrap();
+    drop(f_h);
+
+    db_dual.checkpoint().unwrap();
+
+    // 5. FORENSISCHE DATEINAMEN-PRÜFUNG: Kein $h$-Präfix in SQLite
+    let conn_dual2 = rusqlite::Connection::open(&path_dual).unwrap();
+    let hidden_node_name: String = conn_dual2.query_row(
+        "SELECT name FROM nodes WHERE parent_id = 2 LIMIT 1", [], |r| r.get(0)
+    ).unwrap();
+    assert!(!hidden_node_name.starts_with("$h$"), "Hidden Dateiname darf keinesfalls mit $h$ beginnen!");
+    assert!(!hidden_node_name.contains("journal"), "Klartext darf keinesfalls in SQLite auftauchen!");
+    assert!(hidden_node_name.len() >= 56, "Verschlüsselter Name muss ein gültiger Hex-String sein");
+
+    let count_dollar_h: i64 = conn_dual2.query_row(
+        "SELECT count(*) FROM nodes WHERE name LIKE '$h$%'", [], |r| r.get(0)
+    ).unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(count_dollar_h, 0, "Es darf kein einziger Knoten mit $h$ existieren");
+    drop(conn_dual2);
+
+    // 6. KONSTANTE MULTI-SLOT AUTHENTIFIZIERUNG
+    let meta_dual = db_dual.read_meta().unwrap();
+    let auth_decoy = meta_dual.authenticate(pass_decoy).expect("Auth decoy");
+    assert_eq!(auth_decoy.2, 0, "Decoy Passwort muss Slot 0 entsperren");
+    assert_eq!(*auth_decoy.0, *dek_b0);
+
+    let auth_hidden = meta_dual.authenticate(pass_hidden).expect("Auth hidden");
+    assert_eq!(auth_hidden.2, 1, "Hidden Passwort muss Slot 1 entsperren");
+    assert_eq!(*auth_hidden.0, *dek_b1);
+
+    assert!(meta_dual.authenticate("WrongPassword123!").is_none());
+
+    // 7. INTEGRITÄTSPRÜFUNG (VERIFY) OHNE FALSCHALARME FÜR DUAL-VAULT
+    // Decoy-Prüfung: Root 2 und Hidden-Chunks dürfen NICHT als verwaist/korrupt gemeldet werden!
+    let report_decoy = verify_container(&path_dual, Some(&dek_b0), true).unwrap();
+    assert!(report_decoy.is_healthy(), "Decoy verify muss gesund sein! Fehler: {:?}", report_decoy.errors);
+    assert_eq!(report_decoy.corrupted_chunks, 0, "Decoy verify darf keine korrupten Chunks melden");
+    assert_eq!(report_decoy.orphan_nodes, 0, "Decoy verify darf Root 2 nicht als verwaist melden");
+
+    // Hidden-Prüfung: Ebenfalls gesund!
+    let report_hidden = verify_container(&path_dual, Some(&dek_b1), true).unwrap();
+    assert!(report_hidden.is_healthy(), "Hidden verify muss gesund sein! Fehler: {:?}", report_hidden.errors);
+    assert_eq!(report_hidden.corrupted_chunks, 0);
+    assert_eq!(report_hidden.orphan_nodes, 0);
+
+    // 8. HEADER BACKUP & RESTORE: Slot 1 (Hidden Vault) bleibt erhalten!
+    export_header_backup(&path_dual, &backup_path).unwrap();
+
+    // Zerstöre Header
+    let conn_wipe = rusqlite::Connection::open(&path_dual).unwrap();
+    conn_wipe.execute("DELETE FROM meta", []).unwrap();
+    drop(conn_wipe);
+
+    // Stelle wieder her
+    restore_header_backup(&path_dual, &backup_path).unwrap();
+
+    // Prüfe: Beide Slots funktionieren nach Restore weiterhin tadellos!
+    let restored_meta = db_dual.read_meta().unwrap();
+    let res_decoy = restored_meta.authenticate(pass_decoy).expect("Decoy after backup restore");
+    assert_eq!(res_decoy.2, 0);
+    let res_hidden = restored_meta.authenticate(pass_hidden).expect("Hidden after backup restore");
+    assert_eq!(res_hidden.2, 1);
+
+    // 9. RECOVERY KEY RESTORE: Slot 1 (Hidden Vault) wird bei Slot 0 Passwort-Rettung NICHT zerstört!
+    let recovery_phrase_decoy = dek_to_mnemonic(&dek_b0).unwrap();
+    let brand_new_decoy_pass = "BrandNewDecoyPassword2026!";
+    restore_header_from_recovery_key(&path_dual, &recovery_phrase_decoy, brand_new_decoy_pass).unwrap();
+
+    let rescued_meta = db_dual.read_meta().unwrap();
+    // Neues Decoy Passwort entsperrt Slot 0
+    let rescued_decoy = rescued_meta.authenticate(brand_new_decoy_pass).expect("New decoy pass");
+    assert_eq!(rescued_decoy.2, 0);
+    assert_eq!(*rescued_decoy.0, *dek_b0);
+
+    // Altes Hidden Passwort entsperrt WEITERHIN Slot 1 (wurde nicht zerstört!)
+    let rescued_hidden = rescued_meta.authenticate(pass_hidden).expect("Hidden pass preserved");
+    assert_eq!(rescued_hidden.2, 1);
+    assert_eq!(*rescued_hidden.0, *dek_b1);
+
+    // Aufräumen
+    let _ = std::fs::remove_file(&path_standard);
+    let _ = std::fs::remove_file(&path_dual);
+    let _ = std::fs::remove_file(&backup_path);
+}
+