Bungling Microsoft singlehandedly proves that golden backdoor keys are terrible

[ChrisSmolinski]

Microsoft leaked the golden keys that unlock Windows-powered tablets, phones and other devices sealed by Secure Boot – and is now scrambling to undo the blunder.

These skeleton keys can be used to install non-Redmond operating systems on locked-down computers. In other words, on devices that do not allow you to disable Secure Boot even if you have administrator rights – such as ARM-based Windows RT tablets – it is now possible to sidestep this block and run, say, GNU/Linux or Android.

What's more, it is believed it will be impossible for Microsoft to fully revoke the leaked keys.

And perhaps most importantly: it is a reminder that demands by politicians and crimefighters for special keys, which can be used by investigators to unlock devices in criminal cases, will inevitably jeopardize the security of everyone.

Microsoft's misstep was uncovered by two researchers, MY123 and Slipstream, who documented their findings here in a demoscene-themed writeup published on Tuesday. Slip believes Microsoft will find it impossible to undo its leak.

Full article: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/08/10/microsoft_secure_boot_ms16_100/

[Pigmeat]

When will people learn sealed clay tablets and coded cuneiform are the only secure form of communications?

[ChrisSmolinski]

When will people learn sealed clay tablets and coded cuneiform are the only secure form of communications?

Didn't Al get the original patent on the One Time Tablet back in Babylon?

[Pigmeat]

Try Ur. He's been at this forever.

[Skipmuck]

Hmmm....

[Pigmeat]

Real delta blues. Tigris and Euphrates.