Microsoft Corporation has begun legal actions against the premier securitywebsite, Cryptome.org, due to the lead of a confidential forensic tool that developed for the law enforcement. The all new tool called “COFEE” or computer forensics for cops was leaked on the internet from Cryptome.org in the beginning of this month. The legal proceedings have been initiated after Microsoft discovered, that the software was readily available download from the company website and COFEE had also made its way to the BitTorrent networking websites as well.
Computer Online Forensic Evidence Extractor of COFEE is basically a collection of invaluable tools for forensic science, that is available on a USB device. This technology enables the forensic investigators to collect crucial evidence from computers and laptops of suspected criminals and from crime scenes. This incredible forensic tool lets the cops extract internet history, sift through the files and folders of a computer, without damaging the machine.
The Computer Online Forensic Evidence Extractor is comprised of 150 applications, and Microsoft has provided these incredible tools to the law enforcement agencies across the globe, absolutely free of cost via the Interpol website. However, the recent confirmation of the leak of this tool has a sent a wave of concern across Microsoft and police departments, as the distribution of this tool might lead to the creation of methods that would allow criminals to bypass the technology and keep their data safe.
In a statement, Microsoft’s Internet Safety Enforcement Team said,
“We have confirmed that unauthorised and modified versions of Microsoft’s COFEE tool have been improperly posted to bit torrent networks for public download. We strongly recommend against downloading any technology purporting to be COFEE outside of authorised channels – both because any unauthorised technology may not be what it claims to be and because Microsoft has only granted legal usage rights for our COFEE technology for law enforcement purposes for which the tool was designed. Note that contrary to reports, we do not anticipate the possible availability of COFEE for cybercriminals to download and find ways to ‘build around’ to be a significant concern. COFEE was designed and provided for use by law enforcement with proper legal authority, but is essentially a collection of digital forensic tools already commonly used around the world. Its value for law enforcement is not in secret functionality unknown to cybercriminals; its value is in the way COFEE brings those tools together in a simple and customisable format for law enforcement use in the field.
In cooperation with our partners, we will continue to work to mitigate unauthorised distribution of our technology beyond the means for which it’s been legally provided and, again, would strongly discourage people from downloading unauthorised versions of the tool. As always, law enforcement wishing to use COFEE can safely get the latest released version of the tool free of charge through the established channels with both NW3C and INTERPOL by contacting NW3C at www.nw3c.org or INTERPOL.”
Via The Register.
