Lexicon: Crackz

Crackz

DEFINITION kracks n: Webspeak for codes that override digital security features

CONTEXT There is a 32-character crack that disables the digital lock that prevents HD-DVDs from being copied--dangerous for the $24 billion DVD industry. After a website posted the code in February, lawyers demanded its removal. The online reaction then boiled over: the crack suddenly popped up everywhere. A song has even appeared on YouTube with the code as its lyrics.

USAGE Content piracy costs billions. But software, CD and DVD security is now so tight that critics say it curtails legitimate uses. Expect the arms race between hackers and hacked to continue.

Quotes of the Day »

Get & Share
ROBB LEVIN, resident of Fairfax, Virginia, on the $15,000 lawsuit settlement made against Tareq and Michaele Salahi, the White House gate crashers, who are also involved in at least 15 other civil suits
For use in rail of Articles page or Section Fronts pages. Duplicate and change name as necesssary to distinguish.

Time.com on Digg

POWERED BY digg

Quotes of the Day »

Get & Share
ROBB LEVIN, resident of Fairfax, Virginia, on the $15,000 lawsuit settlement made against Tareq and Michaele Salahi, the White House gate crashers, who are also involved in at least 15 other civil suits

Stay Connected with TIME.com