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    Researchers crack Microsoft feature, say encryption backdoors similarly crackable

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by hmscott, Aug 11, 2016.

  1. hmscott

    hmscott Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Bungling Microsoft single-handedly proves that golden backdoor keys are a terrible idea
    Redmond races to revoke Secure Boot policy
    http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/08/10/microsoft_secure_boot_ms16_100/
    "Updated: Microsoft leaked the golden keys that unlock Windows-powered tablets, phones and other devices sealed by Secure Boot – and is now scrambling to undo the blunder.

    These skeleton keys can be used to install non-Redmond operating systems on locked-down computers. In other words, on devices that do not allow you to disable Secure Boot even if you have administrator rights – such as ARM-based Windows RT tablets – it is now possible to sidestep this block and run, say, GNU/Linux or Android.

    What's more, it is believed it will be impossible for Microsoft to fully revoke the leaked keys."


    Researchers crack Microsoft feature, say encryption backdoors similarly crackable
    http://thehill.com/policy/cybersecu...ft-feature-say-encryption-backdoors-similarly

    "Researchers who uncovered a security key that protects Windows devices as they boot up say their discovery is proof that encryption backdoors do not work."
    ...
    "Four hours after the research was posted, someone posted what purports to be the key-disabling key. Now, anyone looking to bypass Secure Boot is able to do so."


    Researchers crack Microsoft feature; say encryption backdoors similarly crackable
    https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/4x1tss/researchers_crack_microsoft_feature_say/
     
    Last edited: Aug 11, 2016
    hmscott, Aug 11, 2016
    #1
    inm8#2, Mr. Fox, Starlight5 and 7 others like this.
  2. StormJumper

    StormJumper Notebook Virtuoso

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    Put this way where there is a will there will be a way to crack it.
     
    StormJumper, Aug 11, 2016
    #2
  3. hmscott

    hmscott Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    The sad thing is, MS handed over the keys as if it was nothing.

    No cracking, no hacking, no hatting of any shade required.

    Sometimes I think MS is on our side... o_O
     
    hmscott, Aug 11, 2016
    #3
  4. hmscott

    hmscott Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    hmscott, Aug 13, 2016
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    Raiderman and Mr. Fox like this.
  5. radji

    radji Farewell, Solenya...

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    And this is why I use a BIOS password. No getting around that by remote.
     
    radji, Aug 17, 2016
    #5
  6. bennni

    bennni Notebook Evangelist

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    Apparently it only applies to Windows Phone and Windows RT because they cannot disable UEFI secureboot. I suppose any security by obscurity is only good for as long as it is kept secret and this is another example of that limitation.
     
    bennni, Aug 17, 2016
    #6