Microsoft to remove rootkit component of XCP copy-protection software used by Sony

[Bob Crabtree]

In a recent TechNet blog, Jason Garms of Microsoft's Anti-Malware Technology Team outlined how the company will be tackling Sony's DRM and other rootkit malware. Garms, whose title is Architect & Group PM, said that Microsoft would be adding a detection and removal signature to the Windows AntiSpyware beta for the rootkit component of the XCP software used by Sony and others. He also said that Microsoft planned to include this signature in the December monthly update to the Malicious Software Removal Tool.

Check out the blog and let us hear your thoughts on Microsoft's intended actions and Sony's DRM strategy.

[directhex]

with any luck, that means it'll be forcibly ripped out of every single xp machine with windowsupdate turned on.

well done to microsoft

i just hope somebody has a backup plan, for those who still want to be able to play their defective discs post-update

[dangel]

The backup 'plan' is to bypass it altogther and rip the audio as per normal... But you can't say things like that now can you?

[Atomic]

Good at least MS are removing the rootkit possibility.

Glad I have AutoPlay turned off.

[Funkstar]

Excellent. Would be good if MS highlighted what the software was and who it belongs to when the removal tools finds it, that way more people would be aware of what Sony (and potentially others) have been doing.

[directhex]

sony are recalling XCP-protected discs. all 2.1 million of them.

[Hans Voralberg]

Yay for Microsoft

[noTHINGface]

sony are recalling XCP-protected discs. all 2.1 million of them.

That's really good news, glad to hear it. I'd love to know what the d1cks at First 4 Internet say about this.

[andrewuk]

Yay for Microsoft

Yeah nice one
Hmm never thought I'd be singing the praises of MS but they're got it right this time

[dangel]

Yeah nice one
Hmm never thought I'd be singing the praises of MS but they're got it right this time

MS are nowhere near the level of evilness of the might Sony Corporation..

[tonkei]

Autorun doesn't prevent the rootkit, my dead dvd drives can attest to that.

[UltraMagnus]

MS are nowhere near the level of evilness of the might Sony Corporation..

i would beg to differ, atleast sony dont have drm on their consoles controllers!

anyhow, who actually pays for music nowadays anyhow....