Sysinternals >> Sony, Rootkits and Digital Rights Management Gone Too Far > Sony and Digital Rights Management Furore
Sony Using Rootkit >>
Last week when I was testing the latest version of RootkitRevealer (RKR) I ran a scan on one of my systems and was shocked to see evidence of a rootkit. Rootkits are cloaking technologies that hide files, Registry keys, and other system objects from diagnostic and security software, and they are usually employed by malware attempting to keep their implementation hidden.
Sony Unremovable >>
The entire experience was frustrating and irritating. Not only had Sony put software on my system that uses techniques commonly used by malware to mask its presence, the software is poorly written and provides no means for uninstall. Worse, most users that stumble across the cloaked files with a RKR scan will cripple their computer if they attempt the obvious step of deleting the cloaked files.
Mark Russinovich Conclusion >>
While I believe in the media industry's right to use copy protection mechanisms to prevent illegal copying, I don't think that we've found the right balance of fair use and copy protection, yet. This is a clear case of Sony taking DRM too far.
Gamblog Comment >>
It is sad to see Sony do this to stop people copying CD's, or even to just listen to one.
Once the champion of the little guy, who took on the "distributor" powers that be and made video recorders and the like a household object (in the face of much competition in the courts) - now
Sony have turned on the little guy.
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More on Sony: Dangerous Decloaking Patch, EULAs and Phoning Home♠
BBC - Blogger Slates Sony Over Anti Piracy CD
