Sony's copy-protection software found to be virus transmitter

Sony's copy-protection software found to be virus transmitter

Sony BMG has run into trouble as a concealed security software that installs itself on your PC when some Sony BMG audio CD's are being listened to have been found to be susceptible to virus attacks.

Windows expert Mark Russinovich located this masked copy-protection software on Oct. 31 and placed the findings on his blog. Russinovich noticed that the license agreement did mention that a small program will be installed, but did not declare that it would be cloaked.

Antivirus organizations have thus far been able to recognize three Trojan horse programs; named so as they activate the hiding mechanism of Sony's XCP2 anti-piracy technology. Taking undue advantage of this, harmful viruses are capable of entering you system without your knowledge. Antivirus firms claim that installed malicious content could exposure your personal data to unknown parties and cause spam attacks too.

It would be dangerous to manually eliminate the hidden software as it could make your CD drive dysfunctional. Having said that, Sony does give you the option of making use of an uninstallation program but it includes a tedious procedure of having to fill in two forms on the internet.

Sponsors

Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at the security firm Sophos states that the step taken was not meant to be malicious intentionally but was highly unprofessional.

The computing populace is extremely displeased over the findings, fearing it may lead to a spyware attack.

Even as the misadventure has raised many an eyebrow over Sony's credibility, both Sony and First 4 Internet, who developed the software, have assured that the program not lead to any security hazard. Even so, they posted a patch last week through which it would be possible to uncover files hidden by the controversial software.

Further, Sony released a statement apologizing if the software had indeed led to some kind of trouble. They also clarified that they were working in conjunction with Symantec and other security firms to make it absolutely sure that the copy-protection remains harmless.

But the damage had already been done. Sony now finds itself in a legal tangle too as Alexander Guevara filed a suit in Los Angeles County Superior Court seeking class action status. Alexander asserts that Sony has cheated the public with its deeds and also that its actions were a gross infringement of the state and federal laws.

If that's not enough, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an online civil liberty group, is also considering filing its own lawsuit after listening to the users who have suffered due to the software, said EFF staff attorney Jason Schultz.

According to Sony, the security software was a necessity to reduce the number of copies made from the original CD. The copy protection software is only active only Windows-based PCs which means at least the Macintosh and Linux users are spared.

Sony's controversial copy protection software is installed in approximately 20 very popular music titles; they comprise Van Zant and The Bad Plus.