Nov 27

Line 'Em Up, Shoot 'Em Down

Norwegian hacker cracks iTunes code: I’ll say it again, DRM will never work.

Last Friday, a new security-cracking program called QTFairUse was posted — along with the message “So sue me” — on a Web site for which Johansen is listed as the registrant, or owner.

The new program circumvents iTunes’ anti-copying program, MPEG-4 Advanced Audio Coding, by legally opening and playing a protected music file in QuickTime, but then, essentially, draining the unprotected music data into a new and parallel file.

I don’t care what DRM you put on a file, it will always get broken. Always.

by Deane   November 27, 2003 4:37 PM   |
  tags: 
DRM, iTunes

Comments

by MIchael,   November 28, 2003 8:23 AM  

While I don't argue that eventually DRM will fail, they don't quite get the story right. DRM itself wasn't cracked, Johansen exploited a weakness in the Windows Quicktime player that allowed him to save a raw unencoded AAC file from a legally purchased copy. Apple can (and probably will) fix that exploit in the quicktime palyer and a raw AAC file isn't of much use unless you jump through some more hoops.

Add Comment

Want to advertise on this site? Contact FM.
Web Hosting Web hosting, dedicated servers and Web design services
Laser Toner Cartridges UK laser toner, toner cartridges, hp toner, lexmark toner, samsung toner, canon, toner, epson toner, oki toner, kyocera toner, xerox toner, remanufactured toner, compatible toner
Direct TV Deals Free 4 room direct tv deals. no equipment to buy. free fast professional direct tv installation. this is the best direct tv deal available anywhere.
SEO Article Learn from the experts with our SEO article.
rope light Shopping with birddog distributing, inc., gives you access to the lowest prices, the best customer service and the quickest delivery times possible.
Laptop AC Adapter We offer genuine factory direct replacement AC adapters.
Direct TV Best satellite TV deals.
Direct TV Deals Direct TV programming deals are varied and include packages containing from 50 channels up to over 250 channels.
8mm film to DVD Retain family memories with the only frame by frame digital restoration service in the United States for your 8mm film to DVD today
Rubber Stamp Shop for custom self-inking stamps, hand stamps, address stamps, label stamps, check endorsement stamps, check deposit stamps, date stamps, pre inks, pocket stamps, ink and much more!