Daemon Tools Collects Image File Details, Even Without Permission

[Jack]

There are very few people in the world that haven’t used at least once Daemon Tools to mount image files when playing games or installing applications, but few know that the latest variant of the software comes with a service that monitors the user’s activity and records information such as the .iso file’s details.

According to Within Windows, MountSpace, the service in question, designed to keep track of user statistics, sends the device's IP address along with other information, even identifying if the customer is new.

The most worrying fact is that Daemon Tools’ privacy policy doesn’t mention anything about collecting data and MountSpace doesn’t even have an actual policy. Their official site only displays some general guidelines, but nothing specific regarding monitoring or tracking.

While MountSpace is an optional service that theoretically can be disabled during the installation process of Daemon Tools, in reality, even if users chose not to install it, it’s not turned off.

The company may argue that by selecting the “Don’t allow MountSpace to use my mount statistics” option the stored information is flagged for deletion after it reaches the server, but since everything is done in this suspicious manner, no one can be sure.

The data that’s received or sent is stored in a folder found in AppData\Daemon Tools\ImageInfoCache.

Experts suggest that there is a workaround that can be implemented to make sure MountSpace doesn’t violate your privacy. By blocking the IPs 212.117.184.51 and 212.117.185.149 in the operating system’s firewall, the service is prevented from connecting to the server.

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[WinAndLinuxTutorials]

That looks quite scary, exposing its users to privacy risk.

For mounting .iso files, I use WinCDEmu: http://wincdemu.sysprogs.org/
I use it for mounting Ubuntu or Ubuntu based Operating Systems to use WUBI without burning it to a CD or using a tool to make a USB drive bootable to be able to install the OS.

 

[Jack]

I know a few people who use tools like Comodo KillSwitch to monitor the outgoing connections ,as they are always suspicious and a little paranoid...... Always thought that they are exaggerating a bit but seeing how Daemon Tools is tracking their users makes you think.
Of course like in the CarrierIQ rootkit they'll say that MountSpace was used in order to provide a better service for their users...even if they didn't agree with this!
I'm using PowerISO but if I were a Daemon Tools user I would try to find another software right now.

 

[Valentin N]

Thanks for the heads up What is the for other option. Luckily I didn't install it.

 

[Vextor]

Ok, I have it, but not the latest version. So I'll just go ahead and uninstall and switch.

 

[Valentin N]

I suggest that people who use it add those ip addresses in the current firewall that they use to block it (if that doesn't help then add them to the router to block them) or uninstalled it and start for other alternatives. For those that want to use it then I suggest you disconnect, add it to the blacklist and then turn on the connection.

 

[Littlebits]

I never used Daemon Tools because there are many freeware options that will do the same exact job.

Here is a list at Softpedia

Virtual CloneDrive, MagicDisc Virtual DVD / CD-ROM , WinCDEmu and WinArchiver Virtual Drive are some good alternatives.

Thanks.

 

[Valentin N]

I never used Daemon Tools because there are many freeware options that will do the same exact job.

Here is a list at Softpedia

Virtual CloneDrive, MagicDisc Virtual DVD / CD-ROM , WinCDEmu and WinArchiver Virtual Drive are some good alternatives.

Thanks.

Which do you like best?

 

[McLovin]

I never used Daemon Tools because there are many freeware options that will do the same exact job.

Here is a list at Softpedia

Virtual CloneDrive, MagicDisc Virtual DVD / CD-ROM , WinCDEmu and WinArchiver Virtual Drive are some good alternatives.

Thanks.

Which do you like best?

Mine would have to be Virtual Clone Drive. Very light and effective. Doesn't slow me down.

 

[Littlebits]

I never used Daemon Tools because there are many freeware options that will do the same exact job.

Here is a list at Softpedia

Virtual CloneDrive, MagicDisc Virtual DVD / CD-ROM , WinCDEmu and WinArchiver Virtual Drive are some good alternatives.

Thanks.

Which do you like best?

Mine would have to be Virtual Clone Drive. Very light and effective. Doesn't slow me down.

I will have to agree, I have only used about 5 of these freewares and settled with SlySoft's Virtual Clone Drive because it is so simple to use, light and fast.

Thanks.