The British security agency is concerned about the encryption mechanism of Windows Vista, believing it will pose significant challenges for investigators trying to access data from criminal computers.
Windows Vista is the next-generation Windows operating system, expected to be unveiled by Microsoft later this year. A standout feature of Vista is its information security, which can prevent data breaches even if the computer is lost. This advanced capability is becoming a worry for British investigative agencies, who fear it may complicate terrorism investigations significantly.
Windows Vista will be equipped with a new feature called “BitLocker,” which allows users to encrypt all data on the system, including the operating system and the boot sector. BitLocker originated from the idea of preventing data access on stolen laptops.
According to Ross Anderson, a professor of security engineering at the University of Cambridge, the UK government is negotiating with Microsoft regarding BitLocker to ensure that this mechanism has a “backdoor” for law enforcement agencies to access it.
Microsoft states that BitLocker is used to ensure that the system remains at its “most secure” level. This mechanism ensures that data stored on computers running Windows Vista cannot be accessed illegally. BitLocker will also be enhanced to prevent malware from automatically installing on the victim’s computer.
