This article explains it all. It provides links to consumer made cd listings that contain the rootkit software, shows how cds with the rootkit software look like, explains how one can check his personal computer for the rootkit and finally gives a detailed walkthrough on how to remove the rootkit software manually from your computer.
- Author: Martin Brinkmann
- Comments: None
Sony halts production of ‘rootkit’ CDs
After lots of controversy about their rootkit music cds Sony announced today that it will halt the production of rootkit music cds. It seems that consumer and media backlash finally paid off.
- Author: Martin Brinkmann
- Comments: None
Sony and the rootkit, the story continues
The news spread like fire last week: Sony has a installer on some of their music cd´s that might install a rootkit on customers pc´s if they put them into their personal computer. The rootkit software could not be uninstalled by normal means and has already been used by hackers to hide World of Warcraft cheat scripts from being detected by Blizzards Warden client.
- Author: Martin Brinkmann
- Comments: None
World of Warcraft hackers using Sony BMG rootkit
It has come to our attention that World of Warcraft Hackers already are using Sonys Rootkit Software to hide their hacking from Blizzards Warden Client.
We reported earlier this week that some Music Cds by Sony labeled “Content enhanced & protected” would bring up an installation program when the music cd was put into a personal computer.
- Author: Martin Brinkmann
- Comments: None
Universal Music Group Music Cds might also install rootkit
And another player joins the rangs of the companies that might install spyware with their Music Cds when you put them into your pc drives. “Fontana Distribution, part of Universal Music Group and distributors for Upstairs Records Inc., are encouraging the independent records labels they distribute to use content protection on their CDs. “Twelve Eighteen”, featuring the hit song “Summer Nights”, carries the same content protection currently being used by Sony BMG.
John Lopez of Upstairs Records commented: “we are very pleased with the seamless production of the album. The media player on the CD has a good user experience and we intend using the technology on more new releases.”
- Author: Martin Brinkmann
- Comments: None
Sony music cds might install spyware on your system
A few minutes ago I read a news article written by Brian Krebs who described how some Sony Music Cds try to install a software on pcs that could be labeled as spyware.
It seems that we have reached a new level in the fight between the record companies and its consumers. If you put a music cd in question into your drive a installer will popup. If you agree to install the software you won´t find a uninstall feature anywhere on your pc.
Apparently all Music Cds labeled “Content enhanced & protected” have the installer on the CD, make sure you check this before you buy a cd you would want to hear using your pc.