Microsoft’s Recall feature in Windows 11 has drawn criticism from security experts due to its potential privacy and security risks.
Main Points:
- Continuous Monitoring: The Recall feature takes frequent screenshots of user activity, raising concerns about privacy and data security.
- Security Risks: Experts warn that the stored data can be exploited by attackers if proper security measures are not in place.
- Privacy Controls: Although Microsoft offers some privacy controls, critics argue that they may not be sufficient to protect user data.
Summary:
Microsoft’s new AI Recall feature, included in its Windows 11 Copilot+ suite, is designed to give users a “photographic memory” of their PC activities by capturing screenshots every few seconds. While Microsoft claims this feature can enhance productivity by allowing users to revisit any app or file they have opened, it has raised significant privacy and security concerns among experts. Critics, including cybersecurity professionals, argue that the feature’s potential to store sensitive information without robust security protocols makes it a target for cybercriminals.
Security expert Kevin Beaumont has been particularly vocal, comparing the feature to a keylogger and highlighting its vulnerability to malware attacks. Beaumont demonstrated that the Recall database, which stores these screenshots, is easily accessible and can be exfiltrated by malicious actors. Other experts have echoed these concerns, warning that the feature could be exploited for identity theft and other malicious activities.
In response to the backlash, Microsoft has emphasized that the Recall data is stored locally and that users can manage what gets recorded. However, privacy advocates argue that these measures are insufficient, stressing the need for more stringent safeguards and transparency about how the data is used. The ongoing debate underscores the tension between advancing AI capabilities and ensuring user privacy and security.
Source: Microsoft’s AI Recall Gets Backlash From Security Experts
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