What I did at work today... (Score 1)

I emailed both my senators:

Dear Senator,

I'm writing you to express my concerns about the recent revelation regarding 'root kit' software that is being secretly installed on users' computers when they agree to a misleading End User License Agreement from Sony / BMG.

According to recent research, said software uses the same techniques used by hackers to camouflage viruses, and other forms of mal-ware. Not only that, this software is so poorly written as to open the host system up to other, potentially more damaging attacks.

I work as both a software developer and network administrator for a Central Florida based company which creates applications used by the banking industry. Network security, and software security is an important part of my day to day thinking.

I want you to understand that the security vulnerabilities that Sony / BMG have inadvertently created are the kind that any competent hacker can fly a virtual 747 into.

I hope that you will urge the senate to look into this matter, but more importantly I hope that you will see the need for stronger and clearer legislation to protect users from companies that would use such underhanded techniques.

I urge you to read Mark Russinovich's web-log entries regarding this software, and take heed his expert opinion on this matter.

Here are links to the relevant entries.

http://www.sysinternals.com/blog/2005/10/sony-ro otkits-and-digital-rights.html

http://www.sysinternals.com/blog/2005/11/more-on -sony-dangerous-decloaking.html

http://www.sysinternals.com/blog/2005/11/sonys-r ootkit-first-4-internet.html

I thank you very much for your time and cooperation.

I urge you all to do the same, ...but leave out the part about working in Central Florida ;-)