WGA Problems - Yet again

[ROF]

The difference is that it still comes down to it not being their computer. They are installing stealth programs without the computer owners knowledge. Not only is this illegal, but it is a security threat.

False. The discs Sony distributed in October/November did include information that the software would be installed. The security threat comes from outside sources. In truth, installing windows is a security threat.

[Dv8ted2]

The difference is that it still comes down to it not being their computer. They are installing stealth programs without the computer owners knowledge. Not only is this illegal, but it is a security threat.

False. The discs Sony distributed in October/November did include information that the software would be installed. The security threat comes from outside sources. In truth, installing windows is a security threat.

I was not talking about the sony fiasco. There are other root kits, such as golden hacker defender, and others. These root kits are installed without the owners consent.

Sony was not innocent by any means.

[ROF]

The difference is that it still comes down to it not being their computer. They are installing stealth programs without the computer owners knowledge. Not only is this illegal, but it is a security threat.

False. The discs Sony distributed in October/November did include information that the software would be installed. The security threat comes from outside sources. In truth, installing windows is a security threat.

I was not talking about the sony fiasco. There are other root kits, such as golden hacker defender, and others. These root kits are installed without the owners consent.

Sony was not innocent by any means.

I agree, my experience with it would have been detrimental(security wise) to a simple computer user but my point was if any company can do whatever they see fit with their software or product even if doing so violates the law(any law) what makes it right or wrong? Because they have the copyright to it?

[dphirschler]

Correct, but they can not violate the law by doing so. It is a violation of the law to traffic in stolen software. Does Sony have the right install Root kits on your system? They own the Root kit, they own the contents. They can do as they feel correct?

Who the hell did they steal it from?


Darryl

[adam]

Then what makes the installation of a rootkit illegal? I understand if the rootkit itself violates the law then this is different, but if some corporation wants to install a rootkit that traces any content from their company being used on your machine it is ok? The company owns the media being reported and owns the rootkit software. This is what makes no sense to me.

But they don't own the computer and the private information it may contain, and therefore have to have permission to install certain types of programs that can compromise that computer. 18 USCS 1030 makes it a crime to knowingly access a computer without authorization (or by exceeding your authorization) if by doing so you gain certain private information or cause certain damages. It mostly applies to govt. computers but in limited cases it can apply to privately owned computers and the Sony rootkit possibly falls into this area. I don't know how much Sony disclosed about the rootkit before it was installed by the user. But its not enough to just give the option of installing it or not. If it has the potential to do harm you have to say so.

Then there's the simple civil cause of action of fraud and misrepresentation. If you fail to disclose something that can cause harm to someone, and you have a duty to disclose...say because they are your customers, than you can be held liable for any damages you cause. The rootkit has the potential to do real damage.

[Dv8ted2]

Correct, but they can not violate the law by doing so. It is a violation of the law to traffic in stolen software. Does Sony have the right install Root kits on your system? They own the Root kit, they own the contents. They can do as they feel correct?

Who the hell did they steal it from?


Darryl

I forgot but it did consist of some open source software.

[painkiller]

They stole it from this guy.

(You know him, don't you?)

http://nanocrew.net/index.php?PHPSESSID=1ce0dfb5e26ff762972074d806c714f5&s=rootkit

[Dv8ted2]

(You know him, don't you?)

Dvd Jon