Computer forensics is becoming more important to law enforcement agents as criminals use computers to commit crime. Microsoft has made it easier for officers to get that information off a computer by providing, for free, a USB thumb drive that can bypass all Windows security programs. "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," according to an article published by the Seattle Times. "It can decrypt passwords and analyze a computer's Internet activity, as well as data stored in the computer." Microsoft first distributed the thumb drives last year and now more than 2,000 officers in 15 countries are using them.

As expected, privacy experts and techies aren’t too keen on this development.

Hat tip: Slashdot