Windows 10 has an inbuilt Keylogger ! A new feature from Microsoft?

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Petrovic

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Microsoft had unveiled the next version of the windows operating system, Windows 10. Microsoft disclosed the first details of the Windows 10, which will be available to everyone next year, and the best thing is that it brings back the start menu which was not there in Windows 8. To collect feedback from the users and to help shape the final version of the operating system, Microsoft had provided the Windows 10 Technical Preview edition. The company uses the Windows Insider Program which has an easy-to-use app for users to submit their feedback. But it turns out that something else is also going on..

Rarely anyone reads the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy documents, no one bothers to read those lengthy paragraphs, most of them just simply click on “I Agree” and “Next”, which should not be done at all. We never know what is written in those documents. We never know what and all permissions we are giving the company by clicking on it. The same had happened while installing the Windows 10 Technical Preview Edition. Millions of users worldwide had downloaded the Windows 10 preview to see what is new in the latest version of the Microsoft’s operating system. Everyone just rushed to download the testing bits of the OS, and few actually read the Privacy Policy of the Windows Insider Program.

If you are unaware of Microsoft’s privacy policy, you should pay attention to what the policy says. Microsoft is watching your every move on the latest Windows 10 Technical Preview. A part of the company’s privacy policy indicates that they are usingkeylogger to collect and use users’ data in a variety of new ways without the user being aware of it.

For those who are unaware of what a keylogger is, it is a type of surveillance software (considered to be either a software or spyware) that has the capability to record every keystroke you make to a log file, usually encrypted. A keylogger recorder can record instant messages, e-mail, and any information you type at any time using your keyboard. The log file created by the keylogger can then be sent to a specified receiver. Some keylogger programs will also record any e-mail addresses you use and Web site URLs you visit.

The Privacy Policy states,

If you open a file, we may collect information about the file, the application used to open the file, and how long it takes any use [of] it for purposes such as improving performance, or [if you] enter text, we may collect typed characters, and use them for purposes such as improving autocomplete and spell check features.

So when a user accepts the Windows 10 privacy policy, he/she is allowing Microsoft Inc. to screen their files and log your keystrokes, Which means, when a file is opened or any data is written, Microsoft have access to whatever you type, and the file info within. Not just this, the Company says, they may collect even more data. The company will be watching your applications for better compatibility, and collect voice data when you use speech to text. This collected information will be used to improve speech processing.

The Privacy Policy also states,

“When you acquire, install and use the Program, Microsoft collects information about you, your devices, applications and networks, and your use of those devices, applications and networks.Examples of data we collect include your name, email address, preferences and interests; browsing, search and file history; phone call and SMS data; device configuration and sensor data; and application usage.“

Microsoft says that you have absolutely no option to disable the transmission of data unless you want to remove Windows 10 Preview and get back to your previous operating system, be it Windows 7 or Windows 8. “Use of the Program is at your discretion. Many features that transmit data to Microsoft are enabled automatically. You may not have the option to turn off the transmission of data for certain features in the Program. To stop the transmission of all data, you must completely uninstall the Program from all of your devices. This may require you to reinstall your device’s operating system,”

Mary Jo Foley from ZDNet talked about a new way Microsoft is collecting feedback. She claims Microsoft has developed a “real-time telemetry system” which can “see in near real-time what’s happening on users’ machines.” So it looks like Microsoft could be watching your every move.

However, it is very clear that the company is not going to use that data to access users’ bank accounts but the fact is that the Microsoft is collecting data by all means, it can possibly open a way for someone to steal and misuse the important information for their own purpose. This isn’t a permanent feature within Windows 10, and therefore should not be a major concern for users who are casually testing the operating system, but for hardcore enthusiasts who have opted to use the Windows 10 Technical Preview as their main operating system for the time being, this could be a little worrying. It’s highly unlikely that the final version of Windows 10 will include data collection of this sort. As reported by WinBeta the feedback being collected in the Windows Technical Preview will only occur within the Technical Preview period. Once Microsoft Windows 10 launches to the public, the data which Microsoft collects will be removed from the operating system.
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Nikos751

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It's shocking but I believe this was present in previous versions of Windows too but they did not say it directly.
 

sid_16

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“If you open a file, we may collect information about the file, the application used to open the file, and how long it takes any use [of] it for purposes such as improving performance, or [if you] enter text, we may collect typed characters, we may collect typed characters and use them for purposes such as improving autocomplete and spell check features,” the privacy policy states.

It's been reported on several Tech web sites that Windows 10 TP contains a keylogger. It's part of the M$ agreement you acknowledged (but, like me, probably didn't read). I think this goes above and beyond the need for telemetry to test their OS. Crash reports, bug reports, even a record of software installed - that's fine. But a keylogger in the OS? Why?
Read more:
http://thehackernews.com/2014/10/download-Windows-10-keylogger.html
 

Petrovic

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Windows 10 will not come with built-in keylogging capabilities
Regular testers know that using Technical Previews of software means that data about this use will be collected as its needed to improve the final version. Also, that Technical Preview versions are often buggy and altogether insecure, and not fit to be used for handling sensitive data.

Finally, these capabilities will be removed in the final, commercial version of the product, so don't panic.

Microsoft has reacted to this ruckus by releasing a statement reassuring testers that they "all data sent from the Windows 10 Technical Preview to Microsoft is encrypted in transit and we store the personal information you provide on computer systems that have limited access and are in controlled facilities."
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Prorootect

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'As reported by WinBeta the feedback being collected in the Windows Technical Preview will only occur within the Technical Preview period. Once Microsoft Windows 10 launches to the public, the data which Microsoft collects will be removed from the operating system.'

So no worry.
 
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