The announcement of Microsoft’s new AI-powered Windows 11 recovery feature has sparked concerns among many regarding potential privacy risks and security vulnerabilities. The feature, called Recall, captures snapshots of a user’s active window every few seconds and records all activity in Windows for up to three months. This data is then analyzed by a Neural Processing Unit and an AI model to extract information for easy access through search queries.
While Microsoft assures users that the data is encrypted and stored locally on the user’s device, concerns remain about the potential misuse of this information. Despite Microsoft’s claims that Recall data will not be accessed or stored in the cloud, cybersecurity experts and users are skeptical about the security implications of the feature.
The UK’s data protection agency, the ICO, has contacted Microsoft to ensure that user data is properly safeguarded and not exploited by the company. The feature’s lack of content moderation raises concerns about the potential exposure of sensitive information, such as passwords and confidential documents, to threat actors or malware.
Cybersecurity experts warn that Recall creates a significant attack surface, allowing threat actors to access and exploit stored data if a device is compromised. Malware could potentially steal Recall databases for analysis or extortion purposes, posing a serious threat to user privacy and security.
Microsoft’s introduction of Recall raises questions about the company’s commitment to prioritizing security over other priorities. While Microsoft reassures users about the privacy and security of the feature, concerns persist about the potential risks it poses to user data and cybersecurity.
In conclusion, the new Recall feature in Windows 11 has sparked controversy and raised important questions about privacy, security, and the responsibility of tech companies to protect user data. Users and cybersecurity experts remain skeptical about the potential risks associated with the feature, highlighting the need for transparency, accountability, and strong data protection measures in the development of new technologies.
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https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsofts-new-windows-11-recall-is-a-privacy-nightmare/