Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Story of the year: Sony BMG Recalls Copy-Protected CDs
"Music publisher Sony BMG, yielding to consumer concern, said on Wednesday it was recalling music CDs containing copy-protection software that acts like virus software and hides deep inside a computer."
This XCP software that is intended to prevent piracy installs a rootkit deep in the computer that makes it easy for viruses to sneak in and hide in the rootkit. There are already a bunch of viruses that exploit this security hole. The worst part is this--rootkits ARE VIRUSES TOO. Really nasty viruses, actually. Even though this XCP software does not actually do any direct harm to your computer, it is still technically a virus. Already 500,000 networks in the US have at least one machine on them using XCP.
I am simply amazed at the lengths to which the music industry is willing to go in order to prevent piracy. What they have done, in essence, is put a virus on their CDs that installs itself on your computer when you play or rip the CD!
Read more
In personal news, here is my story of the year: I've been accepted to both IES and CIEE's Barcelona Programs for next semester! Now I just have to decide which one I want to do.
This XCP software that is intended to prevent piracy installs a rootkit deep in the computer that makes it easy for viruses to sneak in and hide in the rootkit. There are already a bunch of viruses that exploit this security hole. The worst part is this--rootkits ARE VIRUSES TOO. Really nasty viruses, actually. Even though this XCP software does not actually do any direct harm to your computer, it is still technically a virus. Already 500,000 networks in the US have at least one machine on them using XCP.
I am simply amazed at the lengths to which the music industry is willing to go in order to prevent piracy. What they have done, in essence, is put a virus on their CDs that installs itself on your computer when you play or rip the CD!
Read more
In personal news, here is my story of the year: I've been accepted to both IES and CIEE's Barcelona Programs for next semester! Now I just have to decide which one I want to do.
Labels: the world
