The UK security agency is concerned about the encryption mechanisms of Windows Vista, believing that it will pose significant challenges for investigators trying to access data from criminal computers.
Windows Vista is the new generation Windows operating system, expected to be announced by Microsoft later this year. A standout feature of Vista is its information security, capable of preventing data breaches even if the computer is lost. This advanced feature is becoming a worry for UK investigative agencies, who think it may greatly hinder terrorism investigations.
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 in negotiations with Microsoft regarding BitLocker to ensure that this mechanism includes a “backdoor” for law enforcement agencies to access it.
Microsoft has stated that BitLocker is used to keep systems at the “highest level of security.” This mechanism ensures that data stored on computers running Windows Vista cannot be accessed illegally. BitLocker will also include capabilities to prevent malware from automatically installing on the victim’s computer.
