More Info on Sony's CD Debacle
Tucson, AZ
I posted a little something in the Week in Review post for last week about Sony's planting of destructive software on its customers' computers. Well, it turns out it's not just affecting Windows- we Mac users are at risk, too. Sony has offered a "patch" that doesn't remove the malicious rootkit- it only reveals its presence. That's a big "Fuck you!" to consumers if I ever saw one. Especially now that the first virus taking advantage of the planted rootkit has now emerged. An alternate tool for Windows that reveals the presence of the rootkit is available from Sophos for those who are not terribly thrilled by the prospect of being "helped" by Sony.
What to do?
1. Don't buy anymore CDs from Sony until/unless they knock this shit off.
2. Check to see if you're already screwed. Lists of affected CDs are posted here (Electronic Freedom Foundation) and here (Slashdot journal by xtracto).
3. A lot of folks have been posting their displeasure in the Amazon.com comments for the Van Zant CD mentioned on the SysInternals blog. 201 comments have been posted by the time I've written this.
4. To register your displeasure with Sony directly, here is Sony Music's feedback page. Best of all, "If you believe a Sony Music product has a manufacturing defect, please call our Quality Management Department at 800-255-7514 (609-722-8224 in New Jersey)." THAT'S A TOLL-FREE NUMBER FOLKS! YOU CAN CALL SONY ON THEIR NICKEL!
5. There is also a class action lawsuit being initiated against Sony, but I am not recommending at this time that anyone go that route. However, a little Googling should easily turn up details on that for those who are interested.
I posted a little something in the Week in Review post for last week about Sony's planting of destructive software on its customers' computers. Well, it turns out it's not just affecting Windows- we Mac users are at risk, too. Sony has offered a "patch" that doesn't remove the malicious rootkit- it only reveals its presence. That's a big "Fuck you!" to consumers if I ever saw one. Especially now that the first virus taking advantage of the planted rootkit has now emerged. An alternate tool for Windows that reveals the presence of the rootkit is available from Sophos for those who are not terribly thrilled by the prospect of being "helped" by Sony.
What to do?
1. Don't buy anymore CDs from Sony until/unless they knock this shit off.
2. Check to see if you're already screwed. Lists of affected CDs are posted here (Electronic Freedom Foundation) and here (Slashdot journal by xtracto).
3. A lot of folks have been posting their displeasure in the Amazon.com comments for the Van Zant CD mentioned on the SysInternals blog. 201 comments have been posted by the time I've written this.
4. To register your displeasure with Sony directly, here is Sony Music's feedback page. Best of all, "If you believe a Sony Music product has a manufacturing defect, please call our Quality Management Department at 800-255-7514 (609-722-8224 in New Jersey)." THAT'S A TOLL-FREE NUMBER FOLKS! YOU CAN CALL SONY ON THEIR NICKEL!
5. There is also a class action lawsuit being initiated against Sony, but I am not recommending at this time that anyone go that route. However, a little Googling should easily turn up details on that for those who are interested.
posted by Kirsten | 11/11/2005 08:48:00 AM
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