[LINK] Dell etc theft protection

[Rick Welykochy]

stephen at melbpc.org.au wrote:

> Associated Press - July 1, 2008 3:13 AM ET 
> 
> IN THE NEWS: DELL TO OFFER LAP-TOP PROTECTION
> 
> DALLAS (AP) - Dell is joining a long list of other computer makers in 
> offering a service designed to track lost or stolen laptops and delete 
> sensitive data. Dell plans to use technology that is embedded in the 
> computer and can remotely erase files, such as financial records or 
> Internet cookies. Dell officials say the file-deletion process would be 
> triggered the first time a lost or stolen machine is connected to the 
> Internet.

Hrmm. Windows, Internet. Automated file deletion.
Sounds like a winning combination.

And a great chance for a monumental stuff up if there
are any bugs or exploits in the system.

What if attackers want to exploit this feature, which
of course would be accessible to anyone with the know-how
to crack the protocol being used?

I am very uncomfortable about there being yet another port
wide open to the Internet on a Windows box. And this port
gives access to modify the file system.

Good luck to the Dell security team in implementing this
feature flawlessly and with 100% reliability and safety
on Windows XP and Vista.

cheers
rickw

-- 
________________________________________________________________
Rick Welykochy || Praxis Services || Internet Driving Instructor

A terrorist is someone who has a bomb but can't afford an air force.
      -- William Blum