Email this pagePC Tools issues additional warnings to computer users about the potential Sony Rootkit threat
PC Tools Software
San Francisco, USA
San Francisco, Nov. 16, 2005 - PC Tools, creator of award-winning spyware removal and real-time protection software, today cautioned computer users worldwide further about the rootkit threat that has been identified within the digital rights management (DRM) technology used by Sony BMG Music Entertainment to prevent copying music to computers. Sony included the rootkit in its compact discs to hide its DRM software, which prevents illegal CD copying. Unfortunately, according to PC Tools, rootkits also allow computer viruses to hide from anti-virus and anti-spyware software.
PC Tools is warning today that improper removal of the rootkit can result in computer crashes. Additionally, the company said, if several music vendors started using similar rootkits, it would very likely result in system conflicts that would cause system crashes.
A "rootkit" is defined by the Anti-Spyware Coalition as "a program that fraudulently gains or maintains administrator level access that may also execute in a manner that prevents detection." PC Tools adds that there are very few legitimate uses for a rootkit, which are primarily used to hide malicious codes or programs.
PC Tool's Spyware Doctor will detect the Sony rootkit threat if it has infected a PC and allows the user to quarantine or remove it without removing the software. By removing only the rootkit, Spyware Doctor allows Sony to protect its digital property while removing the capability to hide malicious files.
Spyware Doctor's unique real-time update capability ensures that computer users are constantly using the most up-to-date version of the software and receiving the timeliest protection available from spyware and possible security threats such as rootkits. Shortly after the rootkit threat was first detected in early November, PC Tools had updated Spyware Doctor with a fix to identify, and quarantine or remove the threat.
"With spyware and other malicious threats moving faster everyday, it's critical that computer users have a sophisticated security offering in place that can be updated live on a daily basis," said Simon Clausen, CEO of PC Tools.
ABOUT SPYWARE DOCTOR™
Spyware Doctor, PC Tools' award-winning flagship product, is one of the most technologically advanced and widely-used anti-spyware software solutions in the world. Over the past year, more than 30 million copies of Spyware Doctor have been downloaded, and the product is regularly ranked in the Top 10 most downloaded products on CNET's Download.com. More information about Spyware Doctor can be found at www.pctools.com/spyware-doctor.
ABOUT PC TOOLS:
PC Tools is a global leader in innovative software products to protect the privacy and security of Windows® computer users. PC Tools publishes software and provides technical resources for securing, protecting and maintaining the Windows® operating system. More information about PC Tools can be found at www.pctools.com.
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