Microsoft gave FBI set of BitLocker encryption keys to unlock suspects' laptops

Post by dummydummy1234 » Sat, Jan 24, 2026, 12:20 AM UTC

RIMR wrote: post #403

theLiminator wrote: post #217

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yes, they push the MS account stuff very hard. I've found Windows so actively hostile to the user that I basically only use Linux now. I used to be a windows user, it has really devolved to the point where it's easier for me to use Linux (though I'm technical). I really feel for the people who aren't technical and are forced to endure the crap that windows pushes on users now.

Linux is so much better than it used to be. You really don't need to be technical. I have been recommending Kubuntu to Windows people. I find it's an easier bet than Linux Mint. You get the stability of Ubuntu, plus the guarantee of a Windows-like environment. Yes, I know, Linux Mint supports Plasma, but I honestly think the "choose your desktop" part of the setup process is more confusing to a newbie than just recom…

Post by otterley » Sat, Jan 24, 2026, 12:23 AM UTC

PlatoIsADisease wrote: post #328

otterley wrote: post #65

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If they say they don't, and they do, then that's fraud, and they could be held liable for any damages that result. And, if word got out that they were defrauding customers, that would result in serious reputational damage to Apple (who uses their security practices as an industry differentiator) and possibly a significant customer shift away from them. They don't want that.

Apple has the number 1 marketing team in the world. They got away with PRISM and terrible security. They are immune to reputation damage. Teens and moms don't care.

Post by orthecreedence » Sat, Jan 24, 2026, 12:25 AM UTC

thewebguyd wrote: post #163

Aurornis wrote: post #75

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> Back in the day hackernews had some fire and resistance. Most of the comments are fire and resistance, but they commonly take ragebait and run with the assumptions built-in to clickbait headlines. > Too many tech workers decided to rollover for the government and that's why we are in this mess now. I take it you've never worked at a company when law enforcement comes knocking for data? The internet tough guy fantas…

> I take it you've never worked at a company when law enforcement comes knocking for data? The solution to that is to not have the data in the first place. You can't avoid the warrants for data if you collect it, so the next best thing is to not collect it in the first place.

Post by j_maffe » Sat, Jan 24, 2026, 12:30 AM UTC

kenjackson wrote: post #414

michaelt wrote: post #227

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> If your company has data that the police want and they can get a warrant, you have no choice but to give it to them. Yes. The thing is: Microsoft made the design decision to copy the keys to the cloud, in plaintext. And they made this decision with the full knowledge that the cops could ask for the data. You can encrypt secrets end-to-end - just look at how password managers work - and it means the cops can only su…

Where did you get that they are stored in plaintext?

Post by aksss » Sat, Jan 24, 2026, 12:40 AM UTC

zzrrt wrote: post #407

estimator7292 wrote: post #233

My Linux drives are all encrypted, and one of the wonderful features of this is that there is no entity or force on this planet that can decrypt them. What happens if I forget my keys? Same thing that happens if my computer gets struck by a meteor. New drive, new key, restore contents from backups. It's simple, secure, set-and-forget, and absolutely nobody but me and your favored deity have any idea what's on my driv…

> What happens if I forget my keys? … restore contents from backups. What happens if you forget your backup keys?