Sony stops production of CD's with notorious security software

Sony stops production of CD's with notorious security software
Having faced intense criticism for its use of the cloaked security suite on certain music CD's, Sony BMG- the world's second-largest music label- has taken the sensible step of halting its production. This after Security experts proved that the controversial copy protection program served as a haven for hackers as they were able to install viruses via the security software on the users' PC without them getting detected.

A security firm, Sophos, have managed to find a version of the Stinx virus which utilizes the Sony code and gives hackers control of damaged machines.

Sony's masked technology was installed on approximately 20 popular music titles including Celine Dion and Sarah McLachlan.

The company released a statement terming the suspension of the CD's incorporating the maligned XCP technology as a precautionary measure. The statement also said, "We intend to re-examine all aspects of our content protection initiative to be sure that it continues to meet our goals of security and ease of consumer use."

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Despite Sony BMG's decision to stop production of CD's using the 'under-fire' software, they are likely to remain in the eye of a storm.

Security experts feel Sony's vision was short-sighted as they did not realize the implications of their secretive act. Sony chose a poor alternative though their aim wasn't erroneous- to protect its property, according to some security professionals.

Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos Plc, called the technology, which was developed by U.K.-based First4Internet, "inept-ware."

Another security analyst Jon Orbeton felt Sony reputation has been dented in a big way as people did not anticipate this from such a large, reputed music firm.

The general public too vented their ire on Sony. One responded described the giant music firm as “dirty” and “rotten scumbags” for slyly installing such crap on users' computers.

Though Sony affirmed the software has no security hazards, its fears were evident when they released a patch to unmask the files concealed by the XCP technology.

However, Sony was firm in its stand that what it did was not wrong and more of a necessity. The company described the technology's use as an important tool to protect their property rights and also of their artists.

Sony's piracy fears stem from the fact that profusion of music is accessible on the web nowadays, most of it unlawfully via file-sharing networks and hence music firms find the need to be all the more alert to safeguard misuse of their product.