Zero-Knowledge Systems exposes Pentium III ID error

Internet privacy company Zero-Knowledge Systems has demonstrated a hack of the program designed by Intel to suppress controversial ID numbers built into all Pentium III computers.

Zero-Knowledge Systems programmer Mario Contestabile designed a small ActiveX program that bypasses Intel's Pentium Serial Number (PSN) Control Utility. The Zero-Knowledge "exploit" places the serial number in a cookie file to demonstrate how easily a malicious attacker could activate or steal a user's serial number, even when the Intel utility indicates the ID number is turned off.

Pentium III users can test their online privacy by visiting the Pentium III Processor Serial Number Exploit Page on the Zero-Knowledge Systems website at http://www.zks.net/p3 .