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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: xmagusx on Mon, 27 October 2014, 08:02:09

Title: PSA: FTDI is using Windows Update to brick counterfeits
Post by: xmagusx on Mon, 27 October 2014, 08:02:09

Quote from: FTDI License

Use of the Software as a driver for, or installation of the Software onto, a component that is not a Genuine FTDI Component, including without limitation counterfeit components, MAY IRRETRIEVABLY DAMAGE THAT COMPONENT

As indicated by the above quote from their updated license, this appears to have been done intentionally.

http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/10/windows-update-drivers-bricking-usb-serial-chips-beloved-of-hardware-hackers/

Title: Re: PSA: FTDI is using Windows Update to brick counterfeits
Post by: SpAmRaY on Mon, 27 October 2014, 08:35:48

Quote

Update: Microsoft has given us a statement:

    Yesterday FTDI removed two driver versions from Windows Update. Our engineering team is engaging with FTDI to prevent these problems with their future driver updates via Windows Update.

Title: Re: PSA: FTDI is using Windows Update to brick counterfeits
Post by: fohat.digs on Mon, 27 October 2014, 11:17:09

Are any of these components in the Teensy or similar devices?

How about xwhatsit's controllers?

Title: Re: PSA: FTDI is using Windows Update to brick counterfeits
Post by: 0100010 on Mon, 27 October 2014, 11:31:28

Appears Teensy is fine : http://forum.pjrc.com/threads/26895-new-FTDI-driver-deliberately-bricking-devices

Title: Re: PSA: FTDI is using Windows Update to brick counterfeits
Post by: 0100010 on Mon, 27 October 2014, 11:36:02

xwhatsit is using the native USB interface on the ATMEGA32U2 looks like // so no issue there either.

Title: Re: PSA: FTDI is using Windows Update to brick counterfeits
Post by: Grendel on Mon, 27 October 2014, 11:57:14

http://hackaday.com/2014/10/24/ftdi-screws-up-backs-down/

Title: Re: PSA: FTDI is using Windows Update to brick counterfeits
Post by: jwaz on Mon, 27 October 2014, 11:59:14

They rescinded that patch REAL quick.


What a total **** move.

Title: Re: PSA: FTDI is using Windows Update to brick counterfeits
Post by: xmagusx on Mon, 27 October 2014, 19:58:26

Quote from: jwaz on Mon, 27 October 2014, 11:59:14

They rescinded that patch REAL quick.


What a total **** move.

No kidding. And a daffy one at that. How could that conversation have gone?

"Well Jim, we've carved out a nice spot in a highly technical niche market. How can we best piss off our entire clientele?"

"...well, I have a thought on that..."