Microsoft Helps Police Crack Your Computer

IGnatius T Foobar writes "Microsoft has developed a small plug-in device that investigators can use to quickly extract forensic data from computers that "may have been used in crimes." It basically bypasses all of the Windows security (decrypting passwords, etc.) in order to eliminate all that pesky privacy when the police have physical access to your computer. Just one more reason not to run Windows on your computer."

Well, no windows for me

[ChuckSchwab]

I sure don't want investigators to find my child pornography!

I guess I'll have to go with Ubuntu, although it's probably expensive, and I haven't worked out the illegality of those torrents people are posting.

This works!

[towelie-ban]

They're already selling these online. Just check the box next to "I certify I'm a cop. Seriously, I am." and it's all yours for $19.95.

Here it comes...

[NewbieProgrammerMan]

Cue the "if you have nothing to hide..." responses (and possibly some Hans Reiser jokes).

How the -

[Fynd]

...bypasses all of the Windows security...

All of the Windows security - I can't even fathom how complex that device must be, that sure is a lot of security to bypass.

Re:Flaw

[EMeta]

Ah, but since the cracking device itself is made by Microsoft, it's not likely to work most of the time anyway. Just MS doing their own part to safeguarding our liberties.

Re:Interesting thought

[AltGrendel]

Makes me curious as to what would happen if, for some reason, my computer were seized and the police booted up to an Ubuntu welcome screen... heh...

They would probably post questions to "Ask Slashdot".

Re:What could possibly go wrong?

[nawcom]

Reverse engineering and (more) malicious usage in 3... 2... 1.

Link to torrent of the COFEE thumb drive image on TPB in 3... 2... 1.

Do not pass "go", do not collect...

[Anonymous Coward]

"Where do you want to go today?"
Jail?

UAC

[Anonymous Coward]

No big deal. It's a USB keyboard with only an "I agree" button, and it's stuck.

Re:Flaw

[esocid]

Don't worry, it's Certified for Windows Vista!

It basically bypasses all of the Windows security

[Cro Magnon]

And was one of the easiest things that Microsoft has ever done.

Nothing to Hide...

[SilentBob0727]

In unrelated news, it is now a felony not to run Windows on your machine, and Linus Torvalds has gone into hiding.

Re:Flaw

[lattyware]

Well done for saying what was clearly stated in the article, pointing out the bloody obvious, +insightful to you sir!

Re:How the -

[pilgrim23]

Did anyone else notice that the Microsoft spokesman's name is...Mr. (Agent?) Smith?

Re:Really?

[SnapShot]

It would be really funny / ironic if this "plug-in" device WAS just knoppix on a thumb drive.

Re:Really?

[Crayon Kid]

Define "bad people", please.

Re:Really?

[RMB2]

Ummm, did you RTFA? Microsoft is intentionally putting it right into the hands of the police. THEY already have it.

Re:Really?

[Ron_Fitzgerald]

Government officials...

Re:Really?

[mrv20]

or catching the computer when it is sleeping

That conjures up the wonderful image of a 'Genius' trying to sneak up on a MacBook on tiptoe to avoid waking it.