Windows 7 Backdoor – Fact Or Fiction?
Today I came across this article in which there is apparently speculation that a three letter agency is asking Microsoft to provide it with a backdoor. Anyone with a brain realizes this is hogwash. Yes, I would say it is highly likely that Windows 7 has a backdoor built in. Same goes for older versions of Windows, in which I would not be at all surprised if there was one there as well. But the notion that three letter agencies is involved is just plain stupid.
The fact of the matter is that the government uses Windows, like millions of others. And with the growing threat of cyber attacks (Google it) becoming something of a real concern, I believe various three letter agencies want to make sure the latest release of Windows is actually “secure” this time around. After all, no OS is 100% secure. But it can hardened quite a bit when you ask for help from the experts.
This is not to say that select three letter agencies might not want to take a peek in someone’s PC if they deemed it necessary, but I think most people have little to worry about outside of understandable privacy concerns. And if you are truly concerned, I would suggest reconsidering using an operating system that uses mystery source code to run it. Because if you use Windows, you agree to Microsoft’s TOS. And it is clear as day in stating Microsoft can do as it pleases… without the help of others.
Whether it be spyware/malware or something more “official,” in the end the best policy is to lock the system down the best you can and accept this is the license you have chosen. Sadly, as much as I will get grief for saying it, no one is making you use Windows. Use it or don’t.
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5 Comments
Ernest N. WIlcox jr.
November 21st, 2009
at 10:26am
I agree that no one is being forced to use Windows, and that if we choose to use it, we must take Microsoft’s license terms with its OS.
My production OS of choice is Mandriva Linux for the reasons you point out (mystery source code) and its stability and inherent security.
Even though I am a confirmed Linux user and supporter, I also use Windows 7 here for school classes I take on-line. My math class requires Windows for Course Compass to work correctly, and my Business course requires Microsoft Office. Fortunately, I was able to get the Windows 7 beta, then the RC for free, and Microsoft Office 2007 for $75.00 through my school. Microsoft has made Windows 7 available to school students in the United States for U.S. $29.95 with the only requirement that a student must verify their status as an active student. I provided my school student email address for that purpose. This student discount id available until January 2010. I believe there is a similar offer for U.K. students, if any one is interested.
I have to give kudos to Microsoft this time around. Windows 7 works nearly as well as my Linux installation. It loads fast, shuts down fast, and manages sleep mode very well with no noticeable issues after “waking up”. There is a lot of new functionality, especially the jump lists that replace context menus. Hardware support is excellent this time. The main caution I would give is that Windows 7 needs at least a 1 Ghz CPU, and 2 GB RAM to run properly.
Justen
November 21st, 2009
at 7:56pm
Why would they need a backdoor when there is no wall? : ) If anyone, three letter agency or otherwise, wants to break into a Windows box, the solution is simple: walk those virtual feet in a straight line till they’re standing on plush Microsoft carpet. Digital bohemians find Microsoft’s dedication to security-free software perennially refreshing; when one wishes a change in desktop environment, he simply logs in. Why, after all, should one conduct electronic business in a concrete and steel fortress for free when a beautiful community park is to be had next door for only a week’s wages?
Andy Bold
November 23rd, 2009
at 11:43am
Oh, please, tell me that this is not the zombie carcass of Windows NT4 NSAKEY NSA back door back to eat our brains? Well, I guess it has been 10 years… http://www.heise.de/tp/r4/artikel/5/5263/1.html
And: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NSAKEY
Matt Hartley
November 23rd, 2009
at 11:46am
Nah, this is a fresh conspiracy to sell more tinfoil hats I think. lol :)
Matthew Sarro
November 23rd, 2009
at 12:07pm
Actually, there are some LEO tools made by microsoft themselves which basically give an idea of running processes on any windows machine. The most popular is called Microsoft COFEE (Computer Online Forensic Evidence Extractor). It’s illegal to use for the average person as it is ONLY for LEO and government use (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cofee). This is about as close to a ‘back door’ as there will likely ever be.
However this leak being timed right around the same time as the revealing that microsoft worked alongside the NSA in developing Windows 7 is only going to make imaginations go to bad places (src: http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9141105/NSA_helped_with_Windows_7_development).
I understand why people are concerned, however every bit of source code for windows 7 has probably already been decompiled and disassembled by enthusiasts. Any backdoor would most likely have been found already if it ever was there. I’m thinking the two working together is relatively benign.