Microsoft has released a Critical Patch to deal with the Sony Rootkit Virus. (Yes it is a virus by any rational definition). Read more about it here
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-5993789.html?tag=nl.e589
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A key point - This Microsoft patch is to protect your computer from initial infection from the Sony Rootkit. If you are already infected, it doesn't "fix" things for you. If your computer is already infected, bite the bullet and reformat and rebuild your computer if you really want to be safe as well as fully restore your system.
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This is in no way a defense of rootkits but I do not believe they can be classified as a virus. The literal definition of a computer virus is a program that replicates itself. Rootkits do not do this necessarily, and the Sony rootkit definitely does not. The danger of rootkits is the fact that they are located at the root of the os, such that any security flaw in their coding makes your entire system vulnerable. This is why the Sony Rootkit is so dangerous, because it does appear to be coded poorly and thus it becomes a wide open door for virii, but the software that comprises the rootkit itself is not a virus, its classified as a security flaw. Its a monumental security flaw, but still not a virus.
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Originally Posted by adam
I stand by myself 8)
But everything i have read and from scans coming up before, trojans were also called a "virus" 8) just a diff. type or form of a virus,
As many other malicious programs that did/do not replicate themselves
Don't make me get mean now!!!!!!!!
Fine, we will live in webster land :P
Originally Posted by SCDVD
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I don't know if this site's info was posted somewhere in another thread before but it makes for interesting reading and shows how intrusive rootkits are. On quick glance this site also has a lot of free helpful software dealing with security issues.
http://www.sysinternals.com/blog/2005/10/sony-rootkits-and-digital-rights.html
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Could you cite your dictionary source please scorps? I'm sorry I know arguing over semantics is silly but so is disagreeing for the sake of disagreeing. I'm sure Sony would also be interested whether their rootkit constitutes a virus or not.
The term virus for a computer derives from the term virus as it applies to the human body and both require that the infection multiply. If you look in any major dictionary source (Websters, dictionary.com) or any computer based dictionary this is what you get. There are always subtle differences in definitions but if any definition omits the primary source of its Etymology then it is simply wrong.
Many people use the term virus generally for bad stuff on your computer, but that is not what it means. That is just an infection. Within this broad category are several types. If the code imbeds copies of itself in another program such that when you run the code, it runs the copies of itself, then it is a trojan horse. If the code is capable of replicating itself across networks it is a worm. And if the code is capable of infecting other files than it is a virus. I really don't see how a rootkit necessarily falls into any of these categories anymore than an operating system itself would. All software is a potential hole for infections to enter your computer. Rootkits are greater security threats due to their location on the root, that's all.
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Interesting stuff.
First off the Microsoft patch does not prevent the initial infection. The rootkit still installs itself in cloaked mode when using a Sony rootkit audio CD.
After a full week of testing I have removed the rootkit. Let me tell you first hand that the rootkit is much easier to install and decloak then it is to remove. I used Sony's procedure for removal and it's effect was detrimental to the entire system. After initial removal my browser locked up and my net security closed the system from the rest of the network. i opened windows explorer and both my optical drives were missing. When I clicked on the drive that contained the rootkit explorer locked up. So I thought I'd perform a restart and see what would happen. Well, after I restarted windows failed to load due to several corrupted or missing files. So I tried using the restore via windows setup. It failed to work too.
My final determination is that the rootkit by itself and left to it's own devices without uninstallation on a secure network does nothing but what it's supposed to. Removing it is detrimental to the system and requires a complete restructuring of windows (ie. Reinstallation or format). For my own piece of mind I peformed a format of the drive it was on and copied the drive image back to it. I had to do this procedure twice as I just had to test Microsofts latest security patch to see if it prevented installation. It doesn't. What it does do I guess is prevent the nastiness which can occur after you've installed the rootkit. I was never able to fully test this as I do not know if I ever visited any websites that were exploiting it.
I hope my testing of this rootkit and the results I've posted helps others.
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Originally Posted by thecoalman
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Didn't we go through this already?
https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1423875#1423875"Shut up Wesley!" -- Captain Jean-Luc Picard
Buy My Books
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Originally Posted by thecoalman
@gadgetguy
Was I speaking to you? Unless you have something constructive to add please move along and allow constructive discussions to continue. Thank you.
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