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1. Comment - Are Microsoft's newest webcams the last of a dying breed?

   (May 13, 2008 - 4:21 PM)

   Since embedded webcams are a new feature in Laptops there is still a huge market for external cams. People are not going to rush out and buy new computers (even if they are cheap) just for an integrated cam. Business are (with the advent of Video over IP)relying on these types of devices more and more.

2. Comment - Microsoft denies handing law enforcement 'backdoor' keys

   (Apr 30, 2008 - 9:51 PM)

   I don't think the point to all of this is that these tools exist or whether or not Windows is full of backdoors (everyone knows already that it is full of holes and a hole in the wall is much easier to enter then a locked door) but the point is why would Microsoft produce a toolset that would make it look like they are doing something they are not.
   Would you trust an encryption algorithm that was created by the NSA? The whole point is that there is a serious conflict of interests here. Would anyone trust an Antivirus program created by Microsoft when most exploits take advantage of holes in Microsoft products? By Microsoft making available COFEE they are inviting speculation into whether or not backdoors exist. I am not a conspiracy type but I try to be logical and when your software is closed source and you start providing "tools" to allow for the "forensic" circumvention of any of it - even the smallest and most harmless parts - you are inviting conspiracy in.
   One last point. If a tools exists that can decrypt passwords and allow an investigator access to a live PC without having to shut it down and transport it somewhere, any drive encryption is a moot argument. Drive encryption does not protect a PC when a “valid user” has access to the PC. Unless the authentication of a separate encryption volume, that does not use the Windows GINA for its access, is used then obtaining the windows user id and password gives you full access to the contents of the harddrives as well. Remember, all security is only as strong as the weakest link. Break that link and the rest is made ineffective.