While homebrew development teams have been exploring the libtiff exploit to enable us to play homebrew games, others could be exploring it to brick our handhelds. According to Panda Software, these malware exploit the buffer overflow vulnerability of PSPs with firmware that can view TIFF files.

The company revealed that there is already a proof-of-concept code that demonstrates this vulnerability, and that hackers can take advantage of this flaw to wreak havoc on your PSP. Last year, their PandaLabs detected the Format.A and Tahen Trojan viruses designed to infect PSPs and delete its files, making the handheld unusable - bricked.

The most basic precaution that all PSP owners can take is to only connect to trusted and reliable sources. In addition, all downloaded files and software should be scanned with an updated anti-virus program to clear it of any threat to your PSP, says the company. But you guys always do that, right?

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*NOTE* We need to clarify something about the use of anti-virus programs on PSP-specific files. They will also detect the Downgrader, X-flash, and other flash memory-loading programs as a "threat," even if they really aren't (as we all know), and may try to modify or even delete them. So be careful if you really plan on using anti-virus programs on PSP files. Or, more preferably, choose a trusted site.