Microsoft will remove controversial copy-protection software that CDs from music publisher Sony BMG installed on personal computers, deeming it a security risk to PCs running on Windows.
The XCP program, developed by First4Internet in Britain and used on music CDs by Sony BMG to restrict copying and sharing, has generated concern among computer users, because it acts like virus software and hides deep inside a computer where it leaves the backdoor open for other viruses.
"We have analysed this software and have determined that in order to help protect our customers, we will add a detection and removal signature for the rootkit component of the XCP software to the Windows AntiSpyware beta, which is currently used by millions of users," Jason Garms, group program manager of the Anti-Malware Technology Team, said on Microsoft`s Technet blog. (http://blogs.technet.com/antimalware/archive/2005/11/12/414299.aspx)
"Detection and removal of this rootkit component will also appear in Windows Defender when its first public beta is available. We also plan to include this signature in the December monthly update to the Malicious Software Removal Tool," Garms added.
Other computer virus fighters such as Sophos in Britain have offered a removal kit since Thursday but have stressed it was a tricky operation resembling open heart surgery.
Sony BMG last week provided a patch to make the program more visible after the discovery that hackers had taken advantage of the weakness to install viruses on PCs.
Outcry
Responding to public outcry, the music publishing venture of Japanese electronics conglomerate Sony and Germany`s Bertelsmann AG also said on Friday it would temporarily suspend the manufacture of music CDs containing XCP technology.
Asked to comment, the music publisher referred to its Friday statement.
Last week, Sony BMG was targeted in a class action lawsuit complaining it had not disclosed the true nature of its copy-protection software.
Share