Sony may thwart PS3 root key hack with Blu-ray serial keys

Since the Fail0verflow team and George “GeoHot” Hotz released information on Sony’s PS3 root key that would allow users to install an alternate OS on their consoles, some have said that the only way that the company could combat the hack is to release an entirely new console. Now, however, rumors have surfaced that Sony has indeed come up with a security solution for existing PS3 consoles.

On Wednesday, Dutch blog PS3-Sense reported that Sony is planning on instituting a new serial security system for all Blu-ray Disc games to be used with the console, as an extra layer of anti-piracy protection in addition to the now-exposed root key.

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The author of the post, Roy Wijkstra, claims that he heard from a “very reliable source” that Sony is working on a system where each Blu-ray Disc would come with its own unique number, or “serial key”, that will only allow a disc to function if it has the matching number.

Wijkstra explains that in the future, every time a customer purchases a new PS3 game, they will have to make a call to Sony to confirm authorization to allow the game to play on their console. Each serial key would be limited to only five uses; the same limitation that is already imposed on downloads from the PlayStation Store. He says that there is a high probability that this system will be introduced and cited three unknown input fields that are currently present on PlayStation Network as a bit of proof.

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If this claim is true, it sounds as if PS3 owners are soon going to have to deal with a bit of a hassle to play new games soon. Since this story is just beginning to spread, it’s too early to gauge consumer reaction, however, one PS3 owner I mentioned this to was clearly not happy, and pointed out that it was yet another way for Sony to punish the legitimate console users.

Sony is definitely not winning over many fans lately with their heavy-handed approach to security. Until the Fail0verflow/GeoHot lawsuit plays out in court, however, consumers aren’t going to have any choice but to deal with whatever new antipiracy measures the company decides to dish out.

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