Zakala's blog
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Microsoft targets Sony copy-protection tool - silicon.com
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"To protect Windows users, Microsoft plans to update Windows AntiSpyware and the Malicious Software Removal Tool as well as the online scanner on Windows Live Safety Center to detect and remove the Sony BMG software, the software maker said in its blog."
silicon.com - http://software.silicon.com/security/0,39024655,39154182,00.htm
It's not often I find myself congratulating Microsoft in public, so this may actually be a first. MS have identified that the software Sony use to stop people copying audio CDs may also allow malicious code to run undetected on PCs. No doubt Sony will retaliate, but honestly don't they realise how pointless this code is (not to mention potentially disasterous for your PC). And since anyone who really wants to rip the CD can just plug the output of their CD player into their soundcard Sony aren't stopping copyright infringement (lets call it what it is, in law it's not theft or piracy)
they are just inconveniencing you and I and the punters that actually buy their CDs.
So there you have it - you may actually be more likely to catch a computer virus by playing a legitimately purchased CD than by downloading the tracks from a P2P network. Well done Sony. And well done Microsoft for targeting the pernicious code responsible.
Have an opinion on DRM? Do tell... - silicon.com
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"The All Party Parliamentary Internet Group (Apig) is taking a closer look at digital rights management (DRM).
"From now until 21 December Apig is asking anyone with an opinion on DRM and related issues - including companies, industry organisations, academics and individuals - to submit their concerns in writing."
silicon.com - http://management.silicon.com/government/0,39024677,39154238,00.htm
Interestingly there's nothing about this on the APIG website yet (it doesn't seem to have been updated since March) and the request that all opinions have to be in writing rather seems counter to the groups aims. But if they do mean writing as in pen and paper rather than keyboard and email here's the snail mail address:
APIG Secretariat
23 Palace Street
London
SW1E 5HW
For those that want to chance contacting them via that treacherous, new-fangled, internet contaraption here's the Secretariat's email address:
Let's hope there's a little more understanding of the technologies and their social impact in the debate...
Sony recalls millions of copy-protected CDs - silicon.com
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"Record label Sony BMG Music Entertainment said on Tuesday that it will recall millions of CDs that, if played in a consumer's PC, will expose the computer to serious security risks.
"Sony's copy-protection software was created by British company First 4 Internet. The software is installed on a computer's hard drive when certain Sony compact discs are put in the CD player and the listener accepts a licence agreement.
"The software then hides itself using a controversial programming tool called a "rootkit", which takes over high-level access to some computing functions. The rootkit blocks all but the most technically savvy users from being able to detect its presence."
Silicon.com - http://software.silicon.com/security/0,39024655,39154285,00.htm
Good to hear that Sony are finally doing the right thing and I hope it teaches them something about trying to enforce rights with technology.
Also, did Sony make the users aware of what this software was going to do and that it would pass information to the internet? If not surely this is as much "Unauthorised access to a computer system" as adding ../../../ to a publicly published web address to check for a phishing scam.
Or does the computer misuse act only apply to the little people and not to the megacorps?
Our new delivery!!!
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WOW! Best news yet - on 14th January at 1.17am GMT Jay gave birth to our first child, Joel Tobias. He weighed in at 3.535Kg (7lb 121/2oz for imperialists) and already has his own website! Pictures of Joel Tobias
Mother and child are both doing well, though both Jay and I are suffering from sleepless nights.
Welcome Joel Tobias!
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Pictures of Joel here!