Sony scam

[Jase]

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Sony's Rootkit CDs -- And What It Means for You
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Note: This article on the Sony rootkit and why it's important was challenging to write. Although there is an enormous amount of info about the Sony rootkit, most of it is written in geek speak. Making this info easy to understand has taken a bit of doing...

Earlier this month, it was discovered that Sony BMG, the world's second largest music label, had secretly embedded antipiracy technology, called XCP and included something called a rootkit, on some of their music CDs.

Expert security researchers have described Sony's technology as "spyware" because it is hidden, difficult to remove, and transmits information back to Sony without users knowing. This antipiracy technology cloaks itself so that it appears invisible to users. (Sony executives have denied that their technology is a form of spyware.)

Even worse, it opens up computers who have the rootkit installed to other more malicious programs that can then get installed and remain undetected -- and leave computers vulnerable to hackers.

Last Thursday, it was discovered that virus writers had already taken advantage of this security hole created by the installation of the Sony rootkit, by modifying an old Trojan that now takes advantage of the shielding that the Sony technology provides.

Most experts agree that Sony's action is ethically wrong. And now, a California class action suit against Sony BMG claims it is illegal as well. Other lawsuits are also being considered.

How do you know if you've been infected? Sony has used this XCP technology on a number of its titles, which include different labels and musical genres.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has a list of CDs with this XPC technology on their website, as well as other excellent info on this topic.

Fortunately, some of the leading antivirus companies have already created updates to detect Sony's antipiracy program, disable it, and prevent it from reinstalling itself.

Sony has finally responded to the furor by announcing it will temporarily suspend production of CDs that contain this antipiracy technology and stated that they will review their digital rights management strategy.

Sony has said that about 4.7 million CD's containing XCP have been shipped, and of these, about 2.1 million have been sold.

What to do: We recommend that you do not buy or install Sony BMG CDs that have the XCP technology on your computer.

Apparently, sony is being sued aswell. Go sony! Lol

[ross]

Haha. go sony.

[Jase]

I wonder how much they are gettting sued for.. :s

[NekkLe]

I wonder how much they are gettting sued for.. :s

I'm sure the opposition will press charges to the max! but some how they'll get tipped off, back party bribes so on...:rolleyes:

[Jase]

Ye, there will be cutting deals to get down the charges 'suppose

[NekkLe]

Bring on the PS3

[Jase]

Lol, only going to be round £350 :p

[NekkLe]

Lol, only going to be round £350 :p

Yeh, thats only, I'll still dig out some cash for it.

[Jordan3]

Well done Sony..

[Rawr]

Yeh, thats only, I'll still dig out some cash for it.

You have £350 lying around?