Security News > 2024 > June > Microsoft delays Windows Recall rollout, more security testing needed

Microsoft is delaying the release of Recall, a controversial Windows 11 feature that will allow users to search their computer for specific content that has previously been viewed by them.

"Following receiving feedback on Recall from our Windows Insider Community, as we typically do, we plan to make Recall available for all Copilot+ PCs coming soon."

Microsoft's Copilot+ line of Windows 11-powered PCs and the Recall feature were unveiled in late May, 2024, but the feature immediately raised many concerns with security professionals and privacy advocates.

After additional testing and an open-source tool revealed how easily malicious individuals could abuse the feature to steal sensitive information, Microsoft announced some changes: it would make Recall opt-in, it would encrypt the database with the information compiled from the screenshots, and would require Windows Hello enrollment to enable the feature.

Microsoft's latest announcement about pausing Recall's rollout came right after ProPublica published a report based on revelations by a Microsoft whistleblower, who said that the company chose not to address a critical vulnerability - which later ended up being exploited by state-sponsored attackers - because they feared losing government business.

On the same day, Microsoft President Brad Smith testified before the US Congress on how Microsoft aims to address the much needed improvements in corporate security culture, cloud cybersecurity practices, transparency, notification process, and more.

News URL

https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2024/06/14/windows-recall-rollout-delay/