Online realm - Microsoft needs to fortify their latest search feature due to negative feedback.
Microsoft has introduced alterations to their new feature, "Recall," after receiving criticism from IT security professionals. This technology was developed to enhance search on Windows PCs through the use of AI and captures screenshots at regular intervals. The AI then identifies the contents of these images, enabling users to find them through a later search.
However, there were concerns among experts that attackers could exploit this first version of "Recall" to access the stored data.
In response, Microsoft published a blog post on Friday announcing that the feature will not be activated by default during Windows software installation. Instead, users will need to switch it on manually.
The company has additionally implemented other security measures. The database with the data gathered from the image analysis will now be encrypted, and only the logged-in user and devices they are working on will have access to their "Recall" data.
Microsoft intends to only offer "Recall" on their forthcoming line of personal computers, referred to as "Copilot+PC," scheduled for release in mid-June. These devices feature advanced hardware security, including new chips.
Experts were cautious about the possible consequences if hackers could access "Recall" data in the original version.
Read also:
- Despite the criticism, Microsoft plans to launch the "Recall" feature on their upcoming "Copilot+PC" in the USA, which prioritizes computer security.
- The USA's Data Protection Authority should closely monitor Microsoft's "Recall" feature, as it stores user data and has faced security concerns.
- Users need to manually enable the "Recall" feature on their Windows PCs, protecting the associated data from potential attacks due to the encryption of the database and limited access.
- With the "Windows" search function becoming smarter thanks to AI and "Recall," Microsoft is under pressure to ensure robust data protection measures, both in the USA and globally.
