Microsoft Approves Thai Government's Root Certificate, Which Could Enable Spying

[Lucian Armasu]

A Privacy International report found that Microsoft was the only operating system vendor to approve the Thai government's root certificate by default. The nonprofit worried that the root certificate could be used to spy on Thai citizens.

Microsoft Approves Thai Government's Root Certificate, Which Could Enable Spying : Read more

 

[randomizer]

The, er... root problem here is that we've secured the web using a system that is fundamentally based on blind faith.

 

[memadmax]

Makes you wonder how many other .gov's have a root that we don't know about...

 

[surphninja]

This isn't surprising. This is completely in line with Microsoft's new business model, which is selling surveillance capabilities to governments. Selling access to systems and networks is extremely profitable. The US feds alone spend billions in exchange for having backdoors built into systems.

I'm convinced that Windows 10 was built with surveillance as it's foundation, because that is microsoft's new money maker. There's a reason why enterprise Windows customers can turn off connections to Microsoft and automatic updates, but home users can't. This is also the basis for Microsoft's ramped up partnership with the Chinese government, which was strained before the release of Windows 10.

Do not trust Microsoft, especially if you live in a tyrannical state with a reputation for violations of human rights. Microsoft is selling your identity to them. If you're using Windows 10, assume that your government has access to view every single thing you do on your computer, without provocation and without a warrant.

 

[Tanyac]

There seems to be a typo in Microsoft's response...

I believe it should read "..and then considers the benefits and risks to its profits"

</sarc>

 

[wifiburger]

a perfect example why big companies like Microsoft should not sell your information and give full control to oppressive governments, at the end of the day Microsoft will make shit load of cash at your security expense !

 

[Narcissistic_Martyr]

To put it simply, microsoft isn't making much on individuals purchasing windows, office, etc since people just aren't willing to pay for the product. So, now the consumer is the product and data analysis firms and governments are the customers.

If you don't like it, pay for an enterprise license, use linux, etc.