Microsoft Hands FBI BitLocker Recovery Keys in Federal Investigation

[cryptoenthusiast]

Microsoft reportedly provided the FBI with BitLocker recovery keys to unlock encrypted data on three laptops tied to a federal fraud investigation in Guam, according to Forbes.

BitLocker, enabled by default on most Windows devices, encrypts hard drives to protect user data. However, recovery keys are stored in Microsoft’s cloud, which can be accessed by the company and, in turn, law enforcement.

The laptops in question were seized in connection with Pandemic Unemployment Assistance fraud, and a warrant was served to Microsoft months later. Experts warn that cloud-stored recovery keys could pose security and privacy risks, especially if Microsoft’s infrastructure is ever compromised.