HP Laptops Caught Spying On Users, Recording Passwords And Browsing Habits

In an age where even sex toys are spying on their users, it really shouldn’t come as a surprise that several of HP’s laptops were caught recording practically everything that users did. However, there is still something jarring about the fact that a preinstalled tool in one of the world’s biggest computer companies can do things like record passwords and internet browsing habits.

Usually, stories about being spied on through computers involve hacking by outside perpetrators. However, in the case of HP laptops like the Elitebook, ZBook, and ProBook, there was apparently an audio driver that acted as a keylogger, CNET reports. This is basically where every typing activity by users is recorded and stored in an unsecured file on the computer.

The discovery was made by ModZero, a Swiss cyber security specialist. According to the findings, the driver in question is made by Conextant, a major creator of audio chips. Its products are installed on several computers in the market, including many of HP’s tablets and laptops.

Now, this recording activity wouldn’t have been a big deal if the file where the data is stored is encrypted. Since it’s not, anyone who has access to the audio driver would also be able to access the information stored, which could include everything that involves keystrokes.

Fortunately, HP was quick to offer a solution to the problem by releasing a patch that essentially removes the vulnerability, ZDNet reports. The keylogger tool was deleted, along with all of the sensitive data that the driver managed to record and store.

A company spokesperson also assured the public that HP has had no access to the keylogger tool and any passwords or other details recorded by the driver were not seen by anyone at HP. HP vice-president Mike Nash also said that the driver’s presence in the laptops was a mistake since it was never meant to be a part of the units sold to customers.