Microsoft will wipe Sony’s ‘rootkit’
Microsoft views the Sony copy-protection software as spyware and something to be killed. So does Computer Associates. And for good reason.
On Thursday, a wave of malicious software appeared in the wild that piggybacked on copy-protection technology installed on hard drives by Sony BMG Music Entertainment CDs.
The rootkit, which installs itself from some Sony music CDs when played on a PC, is so sloppily written that it leaves doors open for others to do damage. Not to mention that’s it’s difficult to de-install without harming your system and runs even when you aren’t playing a CD. This is a crystal-clear example of a greedy corporate pig caring only about maximizing their profits and not even slightly about the customer. Oh, did our software screw up your PC and leave you vulnerable to attack? Well, we have to protect ourselves from people copying our CDs. Golly Sony, then maybe millions of people will just have to stop buying your products as you appear to be slimy weasels.
Sony halts production of ‘rootkit’ CDs
Sony BMG Music Entertainment said Friday that it will suspend production of CDs with copy-protection technology that has been exploited by virus writers to try to hide their malicious code on PCs.
Note that Sony said "suspend" and did not say "stop." May they reamed with lawsuits and may it cost them millions in damages, negative publicity, and lost sales.
At least two class action lawsuits have been filed on behalf of Sony BMG Music Entertainment customers who were infected with the First 4 Internet Rootkit. Users who were infected do not have to wait for a class action to make its way through the courts, they can sue on their own in Small Claims Court.
For more information about the Sony BMG lawsuits, and about filing a lawsuit in your local Small Claims Court, visit SonySuit.com.