Microsoft Shares BitLocker Keys with FBI to Unlock Encrypted Laptops in Guam Fraud Investigation

Microsoft supplied BitLocker recovery keys to the FBI under a warrant to unlock three laptops linked to a Guam COVID unemployment fraud scheme, highlighting how cloud-stored keys enable lawful access. The report explains BitLocker’s key storage options, notes Microsoft receives about 20 such requests annually, and emphasizes that cloud convenience introduces privacy risks. It advises users to store recovery keys offline and consider hardware-based security, underscoring the broader trade-off between convenience and privacy.