Microsoft has publicly unveiled a USB key fob that enables people (currently law enforcement but that’ll soon change) to bypass Windows security and allow full access to anything on the disk.

Microsoft has developed a small plug-in device that investigators can use to quickly extract forensic data from computers that may have been used in crimes.

The COFEE, which stands for Computer Online Forensic Evidence Extractor, is a USB “thumb drive” that was quietly distributed to a handful of law-enforcement agencies last June. Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith described its use to the 350 law-enforcement experts attending a company conference Monday.

The device contains 150 commands that can dramatically cut the time it takes to gather digital evidence, which is becoming more important in real-world crime, as well as cybercrime. It can decrypt passwords and analyze a computer’s Internet activity, as well as data stored in the computer.

It also eliminates the need to seize a computer itself, which typically involves disconnecting from a network, turning off the power and potentially losing data. Instead, the investigator can scan for evidence on site.

More than 2,000 officers in 15 countries, including Poland, the Philippines, Germany, New Zealand and the United States, are using the device, which Microsoft provides free.

Really this is not a good thing unless you have checks and balances in place. When can these things be used? With a court order? Where are they stored and are they stored securely? Who is checking that they are only with law enforcement and that this technology hasn’t already been used for crimes?

Right now, I’m on the side that says this is really dumb. It’s another reason to move to OS X or Linux as your data is not safe with Microsoft.

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