The Seattle times and slashdot.org are reporting that "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." Obviously, this technology can be misused as well.

"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."

Speaking as an ex hacker and computer technician, it's not that difficult to obtain that type of information, aside from the Window's password, which has been relatively easy to reset.

The article does say the tool eliminates the need to seize a computer itself.

However, if I were a Window's user, I would like to know that the 150 tools do, how law enforcement and Microsoft are protecting the technology that quickly side steps Microsoft's own security measures and how this technology is going to be used in the future.