We recently learned that certain discontinued models of Sony Electronics's fingerprint recognition MicroVault USB storage devices use software provided by an outside vendor that creates "cloaked" files on the user's PC. Security experts advise that third parties could exploit the cloaking feature to conceal harmful programs. We are taking the matter seriously, and moving quickly to protect our consumers by developing and distributing a software update.

We are working with the software vendor to issue a downloadable patch and software update as soon as possible. Prior to learning about the security issue, for business reasons we had already discontinued the distribution of these models.

Until we are ready to distribute a software update, any customer having concerns can choose to uninstall the software in the manner described below.

[Symptom and Cause]
1. Certain discontinued models of Sony Electronics's MicroVault USB storage devices use software that creates "cloaked" files on the user's PC. The software was licensed from an outside vendor. Technically, third parties could exploit the cloaking feature to conceal harmful programs. So far, we have not received any reports of harm to computers caused by this function.
2. Some anti-virus software may detect and quarantine such software, in which case the software may not function properly.

[Subject Products/Models]
Sony Electronics's USB storage devices "MicroVault"
USM-128C
USM-256F

[How to uninstall the software]
Please uninstall the software in accordance with the manner set forth in the following web page:How_to_Uninstall_Fingerprint_Access_Software.pdf

Once the software is uninstalled, customers will not be able to retrieve encrypted files until they reinstall the software in the future following distribution of our update. Therefore, it is advised that customers will decrypt all encrypted files and store such decrypted files on their PC and/or other removable recording media before uninstalling the software.

Software for MicroVault USB storage devices other than the "File & Holder Encryption and Decryption" ("Screensaver Rock", "Access to Favorites" and "Auto Log-in") does not have the cloaking feature. So customers who wish to continue using such software may be able to do so by installing such individual software of their choice after having completed the uninstallation as described above.

Any customer who is unable to uninstall the software have any question on this matter, please contact Sony technical support hotline:
Hong Kong: (852) 2389-3202
Macau: 080-0039

Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Limited