PS3 hacker graf_chokolo counters critics, talks 3.60 firmware

Compared to his PlayStation 3 jailbreaking counterpart (and fellow lawsuit recipient) George Hotz, console tinkerer Alexander Egorenkov (AKA graf_chokolo) isn’t so well known. All things considered, maybe that’s for the best.

While Hotz appeared on talk shows to counter Sony’s legal action with lighthearted quips and found surprise success rapping about his ordeal, Egorenkov, whose work revolved around reviving Linux support and reverse engineering the PS3s Hypervisor, makes due with limited media exposure and scrutiny despite the fact his case offers something Hotz’s doesn’t (yet, anyway): a huge damages figure.

The relatively unsung hacker recently confirmed a comprehensive interview is forthcoming – one that may offer additional insight into his motivations and legal predicament. He also clarified the purpose of his work, and even chimed in on whether or not the PlayStation 3 is secure again as a result of last week’s 3.60 firmware update.

While Egorenkov admitted he’s been too busy to get his hands dirty with the PS3s new 3.60 firmware, that didn’t stop him from echoing what fellow hacker KaKaRoToKS stated last week: the PS3 is now secure.

“Fail0verflow made a mistake by saying that PS3 will never be secure again,” Egorenkov wrote bluntly on his blog. “And Sony proved them wrong. Sony knows a lot more about their system than any PS3 hacker.”

However, the researcher was quick to leave the possibility of future hacking open: “Everything that’s created/developed by humans can be broken/hacked by other humans. Never say never.”

When it comes to criticism over his work, Egorenkov takes a rather level-headed stance – in stark contrast to the stereotypical cocky caricature propagated by media.

“I read some comments against me here. I do not intend to remove them,” he said. “I do not hold a grudge against you guys; we are free people and can speak freely. I have never stolen any information from Sony, no documents and no software. All my work is based on the knowledge that I reversed on my own. I didn’t steal it, so I own it and can share it with anyone I want to. And I chose to give it to the community for free.”

Obviously, Sony disagrees with his assessment. The company sued Egorenkov for 1 million Euros following its police-sanctioned raid on his home in Germany which saw the seizure of computer equipment and PlayStation 3 hardware connected with his work.

A sticking point for Egorenkov (and other hackers) is that they should have unfettered access to the hardware they purchase. “Just because I bought a PS3 from Sony doesn’t mean they own me and are allowed to say what I can and cannot do with my own PS3,” he stated.

The core concept is simple: ‘it’s my property, so I should be able to do with it what I want.’ If this means hacking and reverse engineering, then so be it. Depending on forthcoming legal battles, consumers may get a definitive answer soon. (Via PS3Crunch)