So recently I was given a security scare where I thought my laptop might have been compromised with user-level malware. I immediately, trusting my hardware, tried to kill the internet, but subsequently learned my notebook was still online, and that the killswitch I was given was entirely ineffective. That is, I am perfectly able to connect to my LAN, use bluetooth, and access the internet regardless of what orientation I set the switch to. The specific reason I bought this machine was its privacy and security guarantees, and one of those was the ability to turn off my laptop’s radio hardware when it didn’t need to be sending messages. While I also, thankfully, was able to determine I wasn’t hacked, I am justifiably disappointed.
I don’t know if the switch was broken over the course of my the last ~6 months, or if it was broken when I got it. All I know now is that I am making this post on that very same laptop, while the OS is supposed to be physically unable to use my wifi card. This is the sort of basic, ground-zero security feature that should practically guarantee what it says it does. I think it’s important that I let other people know about this problem because they might also be doing security critical work and they ought to be reminded to test their hardware.
I had a similar problem with my webcam kill switch–it didn’t kill anything. It may be that the switches fail and / or the method for connecting the switches to the motherboard isn’t reliable. It’s some thin wires that get covered with what looks like RTV silicone–appears to be a by-hand job. Perhaps variance is too high in the production process.
Let me clarify that I’ve received a new 15v3 from Purism, and later versions of the 15v3 appear to have the kill switches integrated into the PCB and on the right side of the computer, not centered beneath the display.
I would really like to see an official reply to this topic from somebody at Purism. Are there any actual Purism people on this forum? I don’t know whom to tag.
Still no reply from @mladen or anybody else at Purism. Curious. Even if @e8378510’s claim is a straight out lie (or a mistake), why not reply?
My own Librem 15 came with a broken screen. I’ve seen others have had the exact same problem. The machines have been replaced, but apparently there are problems along the assembly line. Mistakes happen. But why not just reply and set things straight? After all, this type of security features is Purism’s main selling point.
Because community forums are not meant for asking technical help/reporting hardware issues/warranty claims. Please contact @support if you have above mentioned problems.
I have no questions requiring technical help. I also personally have no unresolved hardware issues or warranty claims. I am, however, interested in whether problems with the killswitch have been reported to Purism by other customers, whether these reports have been found to be accurate, and, if so, how they have been dealt with.
I have the same problem on a 13v2 pursim laptop bought at blackfriday sale 2018… sad… not sure why the killswitch for the wifi does not work, but it does not. Running Qubesos v4.
You got your laptop within the last 6 months. I believe such issues would be covered under warranty.
Please contact Purism support: How to properly send emails to Purism
If you have any more issues, you can try coming back here.
This is a very serious concern. @e8378510
It’s only a serious concern for the person whose computer has the problem; I can’t tell you how many times I couldn’t figure out what the hell was wrong with my wireless, only to remember the kill switch probably got moved when I was taking the computer out of my bag. It’s unavoidable that there will be defects in the odd unit; that’s just part of manufacturing anything and that’s why warranties exist.