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Just found this: Spy agencies ban Lenovo PCs on security concerns (27th July 2013) - http://www.afr.com/p/technology/spy_agencies_ban_lenovo_pcs_on_security_HVg

Just found this: Spy agencies ban Lenovo PCs on security concerns (27th July 2013) - http://www.afr.com/p/technology/spy_agencies_ban_lenovo_pcs_on_security_HVgcKTHp4bIA4ulCPqC7SL http://www.afr.com/p/technology/spy_agencies_ban_lenovo_pcs_... "Multiple intelligence and defence sources in Britain and Australia confirmed there is a written ban on computers made by the Chinese company [Lenovo] being used in “classified” networks."

rodgerd 12y ago
Another black eye if they knew about Superfish and didn't alert their citizens.
- yuhong 12y ago
  It is from 2013 though.
tedunangst 12y ago
IIRC, that article is a fine combination of bullshit and technically correct. There is a "written ban" purchasing equipment from anyone not on the approved vendor list. Lenovo didn't ask to be on the list, they're not on the list, therefore they're banned. As am I. As are you.
vxNsr 12y ago
I thought that had to do with the fact that they're a chinese owned company and if say the CIA makes a large order (or any order really) the chinese government might step in and force malware to be installed.
- skuhn 12y ago
  I can't see why it would matter, since literally every laptop is made in China already. Plus the vast majority of computer components.
  - hurin 12y ago
    Maybe it's too much of a risk if exposed for the manufacturing industry had they added a backdoor to a foreign customer's component without their knowledge? As opposed to Lenovo agreeing to implement a backdoor? I'm not sure either.
drzaiusapelord 12y ago
Right, I remember this and when the Huwai stuff came out. The typical anti-western loudmouths said it was protectionism. Now the very same loudmouths are back-peddling and assuring us that this was a simple oversight and there's no way any of this could ever be tied to the CCP. Its incredible how anything that happens in the US is a NSA plot but a fucking MITM shipped on millions of chinese laptops? Oh just a mistake from a junior dev, nothing to see here guys. I sometimes wonder if autocratic regimes are so image focused that they've seeded popular forums with stooges.

rodgerd 12y ago

Another black eye if they knew about Superfish and didn't alert their citizens.

yuhong 12y ago
It is from 2013 though.

tedunangst 12y ago

IIRC, that article is a fine combination of bullshit and technically correct. There is a "written ban" purchasing equipment from anyone not on the approved vendor list. Lenovo didn't ask to be on the list, they're not on the list, therefore they're banned. As am I. As are you.

vxNsr 12y ago

I thought that had to do with the fact that they're a chinese owned company and if say the CIA makes a large order (or any order really) the chinese government might step in and force malware to be installed.

skuhn 12y ago
I can't see why it would matter, since literally every laptop is made in China already. Plus the vast majority of computer components.
- hurin 12y ago
  Maybe it's too much of a risk if exposed for the manufacturing industry had they added a backdoor to a foreign customer's component without their knowledge? As opposed to Lenovo agreeing to implement a backdoor? I'm not sure either.

drzaiusapelord 12y ago

Right, I remember this and when the Huwai stuff came out. The typical anti-western loudmouths said it was protectionism. Now the very same loudmouths are back-peddling and assuring us that this was a simple oversight and there's no way any of this could ever be tied to the CCP. Its incredible how anything that happens in the US is a NSA plot but a fucking MITM shipped on millions of chinese laptops? Oh just a mistake from a junior dev, nothing to see here guys. I sometimes wonder if autocratic regimes are so image focused that they've seeded popular forums with stooges.