Sony ships CDs with "DRM" spyware... hehehe

kc_leung SG

A Windows expert discovered that the copy protection software in some Sony audio CDs creates security weakness in computers. Better still, it is almost impossible to remove: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

And now the news is on CNN and other news sites:
CNN, BBC, USA today.

Now other viruses are using the software that Sony distributes to hide themselves: http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/internet/11/10/sony.hack.reut/index.html

The moral of the story... it is safer to download MP3s than to buy CDs. You never know if that "copy protected" CD has a virus or will allow your comp to be controlled by hackers. Laughing

This evil copy protection software seems to be used only on CDs in US and Europe... so we're apparently safe Very Happy

Ito_^ SG

Laughing this is funny

tarcki SG

But dl tio caught fine few thousands leh… den how??

deathscythe99 SG

Mac rules Laughing

Doesn't affect Macs Haha...

hisoka SG

claim defense of there not being any safe and acessible copies available Mr. Green i think there is actualyl such a defence if i am not wrong

kc_leung SG

Wrong... they have a different copy protection software that targets Macs too.

http://www.macintouch.com/#tip.2005.11.10.sony

I recently purchased Imogen Heap's new CD (Speak for Yourself), an RCA Victor release, but with distribution credited to Sony/BMG. Reading recent reports of a Sony rootkit, I decided to poke around. In addition to the standard volume for AIFF files, there's a smaller extra partition for "enhanced" content. I was surprised to find a "Start.app" Mac application in addition to the expected Windows-related files. Running this app brings up a long legal agreement, clicking Continue prompts you for your username/password (uh-oh!), and then promptly exits. Digging around a bit, I find that Start.app actually installs 2 files: PhoenixNub1.kext and PhoenixNub12.kext.

DrTech SG

is there a right to sue?

kc_leung SG

what else can you do to a company that makes your computer more crash-prone, and without your consent, and lastly, without saying anything about installing the software? Laughing

I've heard litigation already started in US and italy is checking whether those CDs affect italians, if yes they will sue too.

in Singapore, i think we can sue too... in case they ever play this game with us... cos they are installing software without telling the user... and it's deliberate somemore... Evil or Very Mad

DrTech SG

Sony is in deepshit this time then, i guess...

How could they make such a dumb move?

kc_leung SG

they are crazy and die die want to prevent people from ripping or copying the CD. Laughing

maybe they don't think Mac and Linux can rip CD... cos the copy protection doesn't work on Mac / Linux comp... Mr. Green

deathscythe99 SG

They always do such stuff wad Rolling Eyes

Shotgun SG

Hahaha, in that case, Linux rules! lets all switch to linux!