Recently we brought you news on Sonic 2 HD Alpha release. While we were impressed by the new visuals, we were reluctant to download the game among reports of a virus. Several people were saying that their virus detection software was picking up on something.

It has now been revealed that the Sonic 2 Alpha file is host to a Keylogger virus. For those of you who are not aware, a keylogger virus keeps a tab on exactly what you are typing. This means that someone can look at the passwords and usernames that you are typing into your computer.

You can read more about it here or read the full statement on the matter:

Earlier today, I was contacted by a professional antivirus employee who was interested in why Sonic 2 HD consistently popped up as a threat by multiple antivirus software programs and did some investigation. His results showed that a keylogger is part of the Sonic 2 HD software. After receiving this notification, we conducted our own independent tests and found that there is indeed a keylogging program as part of the Sonic 2 HD alpha software.

I want to emphasize that at this time, we have found no evidence that the software has been “phoning home” any data-only that we have found the capability exists.

Because this vulnerability has been found, we are strongly advising that the software be removed. You will need to delete the files included with the Sonic 2 HD zip, as well as the registry keys hooked at HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/NakaSMK (if you are unfamiliar on how to do this, go to Start->Run.., type regedit, follow the folder path, and then delete the NakaSMK folder.)

We will have more information on the situation as it evolves.

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