Sonyhas confirmed and promised a fix
for a reported security flaw in a range of its memory
sticks.
The flaw, similar to the problem which left customers of its CD
music open to attack on their PCs from remote
hackers, was discovered by security software firm F-Secure.
The memory sticks in question use biometric fingerprint
technology to allow users to gain access to their data, but
software included with the products potentially opens a
"root kit" or back door to hackers which cannot be detected by
PC security software.
The Sony software in question is said to have been coded by
third party developers in China. Sony said it would introduce a fix
for the problem by the middle of this month.
The flaw affects three models of the Sony MicroVault USB sticks
with fingerprint readers, which are now no longer manufactured but
which are still available to buy in the channel.
The 2005 CD music problem led to Sony having to pay out damages
to affected users.