Filed under: Audio, Security, Hardware, Windows, Commercial
Is Sony hacking your PC?
by Marc Perton Nov 1st 2005 at 1:26PM
You probably already know that Sony BMG has started selling at least some CDs that include built-in copy-protection,
making it difficult to play the CDs on a computer using any media
player other than the one bundled on the CD, and limiting the number of
copies you can make. But it turns out that, behind the scenes, Sony may
also be installing a rootkit, or hidden directory containing cloaked
files, when you run that media player. Mark Russinovich of SysInternals
did a detailed analysis
of a rootkit he found on his PC, and discovered that, not only was it
surreptitiously installed by Sony when he played a protected CD, but it
also hogged system resources and integrated itself into Windows so
deeply that uninstalling it disabled Mark's CD drive. Mark's
conclusion: "The entire experience was frustrating and irritating. Not
only had Sony put software on my system that uses techniques commonly
used by malware to mask its presence, the software is poorly written
and provides no means for uninstall. Worse, most users that stumble
across the cloaked files ... will cripple their computer if they
attempt the obvious step of deleting the cloaked files. While I believe
in the media industry’s right to use copy protection mechanisms to
prevent illegal copying, I don’t think that we’ve found the right
balance of fair use and copy protection, yet. This is a clear case of
Sony taking DRM too far." Couldn't have said it better myself.
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They key to getting good at Graveyard Shift is learning to use ...
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Zelidar said 2:08PM on 11-01-2005
Excellent basis for a typically American class action lawsuit but in this case I'd definitely be on the lawyers' side.
Let us all join against the never-ending excesses of DRM.
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John Anderson said 4:20PM on 11-01-2005
A side note: if those were labelled on the packaging as "CD" then Sony would also be open to [another] suit by Phillips.
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Danny Choo said 6:17PM on 11-01-2005
A related note to Sony's dirty deeds - the Sony Timer
http://www.dannychoo.com/blogg_post/eng/128/
Everybody should be informed of Sony's tactics.
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Scott Skibell said 8:25PM on 11-01-2005
Howard Stringer (Sony CEO), I hope you turn things around quickly. Actions like this continue to erode confidence in your company. The music organizations obsession with copyrights is tarnishing your entire brand.
I have 3 Sony desktops, a laptop, cameras, PlayStation, PSP and two TVs. However, I am becoming increasingly dissatisfied with Sony. It started with a crazy MP3 player and convoluted software. I swore I'd NEVER use another Sony music player.
I was your biggest fan and I voted with my wallet. Good luck getting your disparate orgs to work together. Their co-operation will be critical to your success. Failure to do so will lead to the fall of a once great company.
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