Hackers crack PSP security upgrades
Independent programmers have made available a program that downgrades PlayStation Portable security software to a more tinkering-friendly version.
The handheld video game system requires constant upgrades from Sony to play the newest game releases, and the updates often come packaged with security features aimed at preventing modifications and piracy. However, a program making rounds on the Internet allows PSP users to downgrade version 2.6 software to the far less secure version 1.5, the Washington Post reported Thursday.
The downgrades allow those in the "homebrew" scene to modify their equipment to run homemade and pirated software, the Post said.
The newspaper reported that programmers have also been working on cracking Microsoft's Xbox 360. The system follows the original Xbox, which was subject to widespread modification and piracy. However, Microsoft has claimed the 360 is secure from modification. The company has a strict policy of banning modified hardware from its online gaming service.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International
