CRACKING THE UNCRACKABLE: A former U.S. Army computer-security specialist has found a way to break into a type of chip that protects the most important secrets inside many personal computers.

WHAT'S VULNERABLE: Christopher Tarnovsky attacked a chip that carries a 'Trusted Platform Module' designation, billed as among the industry's most secure. The attack also works on other chips based on the same design and used in satellite television equipment, video game consoles and smart phones.

THE IMPACT: Smart and well-funded attackers could steal confidential documents from computers they've stolen, tap text messages and e-mail from lost or stolen mobile phones and pirate satellite TV signals. The chip's manufacturer knew this type of attack was possible, but determined it was so tough to pull off, it had limited chance of affecting many users.

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