Virus Uses Sony BMG Software to Hide on PCs

A computer security firm said it had discovered the first virus that used music publisher Sony BMG’s controversial CD copy-protection software to hide on PCs and wreak havoc.

Under a subject line containing the words “Photo approval,” a hacker has mass-mailed the so-called Stinx-E Trojan virus to British e-mail addresses, said British anti-virus firm Sophos.

When recipients click on an attachment, they install malware, which may tear down a computer’s firewall and give hackers access to a PC. The malware hides by using Sony BMG software that is also hidden; the software is installed on a computer when consumers play Sony’s copy-protected music CDs.