Matrix Posted November 2, 2018 Share Posted November 2, 2018 Individuals and companies using 'cracked' copies of graphics software are receiving worrying emails demanding large cash settlements. Information reviewed by TorrentFreak reveals that UK-based company Foundry is demanding thousands of dollars in compensation after unlicensed software 'phoned home' with details of users' alleged offending. Every year, millions of software packages are downloaded from the Internet. In many cases, people pay for the privilege but in others, users aim to skip expensive licensing fees. Using software without an appropriate license ranges from flat-out simple to relatively complicated. In the case of unprotected software, users simply avoid paying for a license. When DRM techniques are deployed, so-called ‘cracks’ (software tools that circumvent restrictions) are the weapon of choice, activating full packages or upgrading limited demos. In many cases, ‘cracked’ software works like the real deal. In this Internet-connected world, however, some software has the ability to ‘phone home’ to its creators. For those who don’t take precautions (with firewall rules or an isolated offline machine) unexpected consequences could be lying in wait. This is the case for unauthorized users of software offered by Foundry. The creative minds behind graphics tools including the popular NUKE, Foundry reportedly supplies software to companies including Disney, Sony, and Blizzard. It does not like its software being pirated and is going to fairly extreme lengths to enforce its rights. While many companies monitor torrent swarms for unauthorized sharing, it appears that Foundry prefers a more straightforward approach, by analyzing data sent back from the computers of alleged pirates and then making an approach, which includes an offer to settle for hard cash. Unlike many file-sharing cases where copyright trolls demand a few hundred dollars, pounds, or euros to make a case disappear, Foundry demands much larger sums of money. Documents and emails reviewed by TorrentFreak reveal demands reaching multiple tens of thousands. On top, Foundry also attempts to levy large fees to cover its “investigation costs”, meaning that companies and in some cases regular individuals face punishing bills for what they believed to be a free and consequence-free download. For those who care to read it, Foundry’s EULA appears to cover end-user data harvesting. “The Software may include mechanisms to collect limited information from Licensee’s computer(s) and transmit it to Foundry, including the ability to locally cache such information on Licensee’s computer,” the EULA reads. “Such information (the ‘Information’) may include details of Licensee’s hardware, details of the operating system(s) in use on such hardware, the location of the Licensee’s computer(s) and the profile and extent of Licensee’s use of the different elements of the Software and other Foundry software.” Crucially, the EULA (pdf) adds a clause which reads: “[Foundry may use the Information] to ensure that the usage of the Software by Licensee is in accordance with the Agreement and does not exceed any user number or other limits on its use.” EULA for Foundry products authorizes ‘snooping’ While some people are ignoring Foundry’s emails, others who do respond appear to trigger a kind of ‘fishing’ exercise. Foundry licensing compliance officers ask respondents to provide additional details such as IP and MAC addresses of their own machines, apparently to “eliminate people” from their inquiries. Precisely why this information should be provided isn’t made clear but it at least seems possible that Foundry is making an assessment whether software could have been used by an outsider, perhaps utilizing an individual’s WiFi connection without their knowledge. In at least some cases, Foundry appears able to connect the dots when a company or individual has a licensed product and then uses an unlicensed one too. Documents obtained by TorrentFreak shine light on the Foundry system, which appears to log instances of infringement, such as how many times a piece of ‘cracked’ or otherwise unlicensed software has been used. While companies should always take care to ensure their software is licensed, TF has also spoken with private individuals caught up in the sweep who do not have the means to pay the huge sums of money demanded by Foundry. The company seems to presume that all uses of its software are of a commercial nature, something which could aggravate the scale of the settlement demanded. TorrentFreak asked Foundry to contribute to this article by explaining a little about why they choose to use this system of monitoring and settlements. At the time of publication, the company had not responded, other than to acknowledge receipt of our questions. source Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Individuals and companies using 'cracked' copies of graphics software are receiving worrying emails demanding large cash settlements. Information reviewed by TorrentFreak reveals that UK-based company Foundry is demanding thousands of dollars in compensation after unlicensed software 'phoned home' with details of users' alleged offending. Every year, millions of software packages are downloaded from the Internet. In many cases, people pay for the privilege but in others, users aim to skip expensive licensing fees. Using software without an appropriate license ranges from flat-out simple to relatively complicated. In the case of unprotected software, users simply avoid paying for a license. When DRM techniques are deployed, so-called ‘cracks’ (software tools that circumvent restrictions) are the weapon of choice, activating full packages or upgrading limited demos. In many cases, ‘cracked’ software works like the real deal. In this Internet-connected world, however, some software has the ability to ‘phone home’ to its creators. For those who don’t take precautions (with firewall rules or an isolated offline machine) unexpected consequences could be lying in wait. This is the case for unauthorized users of software offered by Foundry. The creative minds behind graphics tools including the popular NUKE, Foundry reportedly supplies software to companies including Disney, Sony, and Blizzard. It does not like its software being pirated and is going to fairly extreme lengths to enforce its rights. While many companies monitor torrent swarms for unauthorized sharing, it appears that Foundry prefers a more straightforward approach, by analyzing data sent back from the computers of alleged pirates and then making an approach, which includes an offer to settle for hard cash. Unlike many file-sharing cases where copyright trolls demand a few hundred dollars, pounds, or euros to make a case disappear, Foundry demands much larger sums of money. Documents and emails reviewed by TorrentFreak reveal demands reaching multiple tens of thousands. On top, Foundry also attempts to levy large fees to cover its “investigation costs”, meaning that companies and in some cases regular individuals face punishing bills for what they believed to be a free and consequence-free download. For those who care to read it, Foundry’s EULA appears to cover end-user data harvesting. “The Software may include mechanisms to collect limited information from Licensee’s computer(s) and transmit it to Foundry, including the ability to locally cache such information on Licensee’s computer,” the EULA reads. “Such information (the ‘Information’) may include details of Licensee’s hardware, details of the operating system(s) in use on such hardware, the location of the Licensee’s computer(s) and the profile and extent of Licensee’s use of the different elements of the Software and other Foundry software.” Crucially, the EULA (pdf) adds a clause which reads: “[Foundry may use the Information] to ensure that the usage of the Software by Licensee is in accordance with the Agreement and does not exceed any user number or other limits on its use.” EULA for Foundry products authorizes ‘snooping’ While some people are ignoring Foundry’s emails, others who do respond appear to trigger a kind of ‘fishing’ exercise. Foundry licensing compliance officers ask respondents to provide additional details such as IP and MAC addresses of their own machines, apparently to “eliminate people” from their inquiries. Precisely why this information should be provided isn’t made clear but it at least seems possible that Foundry is making an assessment whether software could have been used by an outsider, perhaps utilizing an individual’s WiFi connection without their knowledge. In at least some cases, Foundry appears able to connect the dots when a company or individual has a licensed product and then uses an unlicensed one too. Documents obtained by TorrentFreak shine light on the Foundry system, which appears to log instances of infringement, such as how many times a piece of ‘cracked’ or otherwise unlicensed software has been used. While companies should always take care to ensure their software is licensed, TF has also spoken with private individuals caught up in the sweep who do not have the means to pay the huge sums of money demanded by Foundry. The company seems to presume that all uses of its software are of a commercial nature, something which could aggravate the scale of the settlement demanded. TorrentFreak asked Foundry to contribute to this article by explaining a little about why they choose to use this system of monitoring and settlements. At the time of publication, the company had not responded, other than to acknowledge receipt of our questions.
dcs18 Posted November 2, 2018 Share Posted November 2, 2018 Another reason for using a good firewall and learning to use it properly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven36 Posted November 2, 2018 Share Posted November 2, 2018 Alternative to Nuke , check out Natron https://natrongithub.github.io/ Alternative to MARI check out Blender , Wings 3D https://www.blender.org/download/ http://www.wings3d.com/?page_id=84 The best free graphic design software https://www.creativebloq.com/graphic-design/free-graphic-design-software-8134039 This is nothing new The Foundry is spying on us? Oct 22, 2016 http://community.foundry.com/discuss/topic/126903 Quote They lawyer contacted me and says "We had mac address, ip logging and lots of using data (Used nodes, project open and close time, names etc...) With there software blocking with a firewall want help. They use a online dependency. Kind of like Google apps in Chrome OS that have to always be online to work but not as bad, you have to let it call home every so many days are it stops working . Quote The licensing has changed to a login/online based system where you can have two machines authorized at a time. it will work offline, but you will need to go online to renew the license every 30-40 days (I don't remember the exact number of days). You need to use and old version before it changed or and alternative ..Even people who buy it hate the the new licensing system. Apps that can spy on you and need to connect to the internet that work on all platforms is the future Progressive Web Apps https://developers.google.com/web/progressive-web-apps/desktop If its calling home after its been cracked it means its half cracked and they missed checks and it seems it been missing checks for years.. Also they make apps for Linux and mac os as well and the scene releases them . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheEmpathicEar Posted November 3, 2018 Share Posted November 3, 2018 21 hours ago, dcs18 said: Another reason for using a good firewall and learning to use it properly. I am a believer in this too. But, does this always work? I use EIS and I think it always catches an attempt by software to access internet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcs18 Posted November 3, 2018 Share Posted November 3, 2018 3 hours ago, TheEmpathicEar said: On 11/2/2018 at 8:28 PM, dcs18 said: Another reason for using a good firewall and learning to use it properly. I am a believer in this too. But, does this always work? I use EIS and I think it always catches an attempt by software to access internet. Yes, of course it always works provided . . . . . one has learned to use it properly — not sure what you mean by EIS . . . . . but, depending on any program to "catch an attempt by software to access the internet" is the first symptom that the User has NOT learned to use a firewall properly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheEmpathicEar Posted November 5, 2018 Share Posted November 5, 2018 On 11/3/2018 at 12:13 PM, dcs18 said: Yes, of course it always works provided . . . . . one has learned to use it properly — not sure what you mean by EIS . . . . . but, depending on any program to "catch an attempt by software to access the internet" is the first symptom that the User has NOT learned to use a firewall properly. ESET Internet Security. I usually have the firewall set to "Interactive Mode". If any software attempts internet access and there are not rules already setup for it, it prompts and offers many settings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ha91 Posted November 6, 2018 Share Posted November 6, 2018 How do I stop it then? Do the standard cracks stop 'home calling'? If Microsoft, Adobe and IDM start to do then I think a lot of people will be in trouble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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