PSP.Brick impacts the Sony PSP game console, flashing critical system files and rendering the console unbootable. The newly discovered PSP.Brick isn't technically a virus - it's a Trojan. But the news surrounding PSP.Brick could be described as a polymorphic virus - it spreads fast and the story changes with each reporter it infects. Here are some of the claims being made:
1. PSP.Brick is a virus.
Nope. A virus infects other files, i.e. it replicates. PSP.Brick is a Trojan - a program that does something malicious but does not replicate.
2. This is the first ever hack for Sony's PSP.
Nope. Homebrew code for the PSP has been around as long as, well, the PSP. Sony doesn't support or endorse the homebrew apps and their firmware updates tend to break homebrew. This sets up an endless cycle of homebrew releases, new firmware from Sony, new cracks, new firmware from Sony. It's an old, ongoing problem - not a new one. PSP.Brick is just another in a long line of homebrew. It's the first Trojan for the PSP, but not the first hack.
3. Xbox developers wrote the PSP.Brick Trojan.
Why? The Trojan breaks the PSP, meaning users would have to buy another PSP thereby increasing sales for Sony. Why would Xbox want to increase Sony sales? Besides, Xbox developers are busy working on the Xbox 360. They better be anyway, because I've already plunked down the $400 to reserve one.
4. Sony developers wrote PSP.Brick to discourage homebrew use.
It's difficult to imagine a company risking the negative backlash with such underhanded tactics. Sounds like more classic conspiracy theorism to me.
Bottom line, like the vast majority of all malware (malicious software), it's doubtful we will ever know who wrote it or even why. Fortunately, PSP.Brick impacts only the Sony PSP and only those PSP users who deliberately download and run the miscreant app, so the vast majority of us have nothing to worry about. Those who might be affected would do well to steer clear of anonymous downloads via P2P and stick to known, trusted sites for their PSP homebrew downloads.
