Microsoft labels Sony DRM Root kit as dangerous

Microsoft labels Sony DRM Root kit as dangerous

There is no love lost between Microsoft and Sony as the maker of the Windows Operating System has announced that the security tools provided in updates to Windows Operating System would soon seek out and destroy the rootkit-like component of Sony’s CD copy-restriction software. These root kits are installed without user intervention when some of the latest Sony Audio CDs are played on the system.

The software maker has determined that the “rootkit” piece of the XCP software on some Sony BMG Music Entertainment CDs can pose a security risk to Windows PCs. This was posted on one of the blogs of the company’s corporate website. The technology used by Sony to hide their DRM technology has already been labeled as Spyware by security companies and some Trojan horses are already out exploiting the loophole in the technology.

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. This update is also going to be part of the newly developed Microsoft Defender, which would soon be replacing the current Microsoft AntiSpyware application. Sony has also announced on their part that they are currently suspended the production of CDs which installed the DRM application on user’s PCs.