Sony and CDs
From BeachKid:
According to CNet, Sony are putting malware on their CDs so when you copy or *play* one of their CDs on your PC, you get infected with a root kit.
Check it out.
Btw, I've googled it more than once, and so far, there's no suggestion that it's a hoax. I'll be glad if it is.
ETA: that this anti-virus site also has a report on it.
Among other things, they point out that if you've played a Sony CD: "chances are it installed a rootkit that can be easily exploited by virus writers. By following a very trivial naming convention, virus writers can leverage the Sony rootkit to hide their viruses from antivirus and security scanners."
Doesn't sound good, does it? Sony's disclaimer on that very subject says:
"This CD will automatically install a small proprietary software program (the “SOFTWARE”) onto YOUR COMPUTER. The SOFTWARE is intended to protect the audio files embodied on the CD, and it may also facilitate your use of the DIGITAL CONTENT. Once installed, the SOFTWARE will reside on YOUR COMPUTER until removed or deleted."
The virus site disputes that it's easy to detect or remove. Naturally, I totally believe Sony. Who wouldn't?
According to CNet, Sony are putting malware on their CDs so when you copy or *play* one of their CDs on your PC, you get infected with a root kit.
Check it out.
Btw, I've googled it more than once, and so far, there's no suggestion that it's a hoax. I'll be glad if it is.
ETA: that this anti-virus site also has a report on it.
Among other things, they point out that if you've played a Sony CD: "chances are it installed a rootkit that can be easily exploited by virus writers. By following a very trivial naming convention, virus writers can leverage the Sony rootkit to hide their viruses from antivirus and security scanners."
Doesn't sound good, does it? Sony's disclaimer on that very subject says:
"This CD will automatically install a small proprietary software program (the “SOFTWARE”) onto YOUR COMPUTER. The SOFTWARE is intended to protect the audio files embodied on the CD, and it may also facilitate your use of the DIGITAL CONTENT. Once installed, the SOFTWARE will reside on YOUR COMPUTER until removed or deleted."
The virus site disputes that it's easy to detect or remove. Naturally, I totally believe Sony. Who wouldn't?