DSDTestProvider, a new certificate on Dell computers. Over the weekend, a Reddit user noticed that the company's laptop he was using contained a root certificate, along with a private key. The company immediately responded by posting ways to remove them.
But the series continues. Apparently, there is a second such certificate.
Dell tried to explain the presence of the original certificate, which it calls eDellRoot, as an added mechanism to improve its customer support..
But regardless of how the company explains eDellRoot, it will soon have to justify the existence of a second certificate, called DSDTestProvider.
The second certificate is used by Dell System Detect (DSD), an application with 'product locator' features used by the company's website to help users identify their laptop model and other technical details.
Just like eDellRoot, DSDTestProvider is also installed in the Windows root store, along with a private key. This of course allows malicious users to take data from the system and use it for malicious purposes, such as MITM (Man-in-the-middle) attacks.
What you can do:
Don't expect the company to come up with a good excuse, apologize, and then provide removal instructions. To remove DSDTestProvider, follow these steps:
In the Start Menu search box, type “certmgr.msc” and run the application.
From the window that opens, select “Trusted Root Certification Authorities” or “Trusted Root Certification Authorities”
Select “Certificates” or “Certificates”
Find and delete the “eDel|Root” and “DSDTestProvider” certificates
Restart your computer.
