Confirmation that Microsoft handed over BitLocker keys to the FBI for three Windows laptops is being contrasted with Apple standing up to the same agency back in 2015.
However, the comparison isn’t actually fair, and there is a simple way for Windows users to ensure their encrypted data remains secure …
A quick recap on Apple standing up to the FBI
The mass killing of 14 people in San Bernardino in December 2015 saw the FBI trying to access what it described as “relevant and critical data” on the locked iPhone of one of the shooters. The agency asked Apple to help it break into the phone.
The only way Apple could have complied in this particular case was to have broken the strong encryption used by the Secure Enclave to protect access to iPhones. Since doing so would have compromised all iPhones, not just this individual one, the company refused.
The case led to an extremely high-profile battle between the iPhone maker and the federal law enforcement agency. We stood firmly on Apple’s side, and the company was eventually vindicated when it was shown that there were other steps the FBI could take without compromising the security of all iPhone users.
There was a shorter rerun of the battle in a subsequent shooting in Pensacola. Again, Apple stood firm, and again the FBI was able to use other means to access the data.
Microsoft handed over BitLocker keys to the FBI
Both Macs and Windows laptops use strong encryption to protect the data stored on them. In the case of Windows, the encryption system is known as BitLocker.
Microsoft has recently confirmed reports that it handed over to the FBI the BitLocker keys for three laptops the agency had seized as part of a fraud investigation. Some are contrasting this with Apple’s stance, claiming that Microsoft has capitulated.
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