Windows 11 Recall Feature Tested to be a Security Concern

A new update of Microsoft that takes screenshots for memory, called the recall feature, is being deemed a ‘disaster’ by IT experts. The feature is a part of Copilot Plus PCs Microsoft is going to launch on 18th June. 

The new feature utilizes the latest AI algorithm to take timely screenshots of your screen and helps retrieve old data within seconds. Users can simply search for previous tasks through a scrollable timeline. The data will not be utilized for the training of AI models and remain private on the device.

Meanwhile, cybersecurity expert Kevin Beaumont finds the feature to be flawed. He tested the model for several weeks and found that the screenshots are saved in a plain file database that can be accessed easily if a hacker uses a malware program. However, the company claims that Copilot+ is an encrypted program and cannot be extracted remotely. 

“The program takes screenshots after every few seconds that are saved into an SQLite database through Azure AI. This database file provides access to everything a user has worked on,” explained Beaumont. “Recall may help hackers access personal data within seconds, breaching privacy of global users.”

Microsoft explains that Recall has built-in privacy controls such as the ability to disable URLs and not storing data protected by digital rights and InPrivate web browsing. The feature’s FAQ page is devoid of taking about malware stealing. “The snapshots are kept on Copilot Plus PCs and are protected using data encryption,” says Microsoft.

The loop-holes in the Microsoft Recall program has left campaigners concerned of their privacy. The feature’s announcement came a few weeks after Microsoft’s CEO said that we prefer security over latest features. 

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