Chinese hackers have cracked the activation codes for Windows 7, less than a month after Microsoft released the first copies of the new operating system to computer makers, technology news site CNET reported Thursday.<\/p>\n
The crack will allow fully functional, copied versions of the Ultimate Version of Windows 7 to be distributed over file-sharing sites even before the operating system is released to the public in October.<\/p>\n
The pirated version even tricks the computer and Microsoft’s servers into believing it is a genuine copy, allowing it to avoid Microsoft’s validation safeguards.<\/p>\n
The report said that the copied software was hacked via a disc stolen from Chinese computer maker Lenovo, but that the pirated version would work just as well on Dell and HP computers too.<\/p>\n
Microsoft acknowledged the report of the Windows 7 breach and strongly advised users to avoid downloading the software from unauthorised sources.<\/p>\n
“Downloading Windows 7 from peer-to-peer websites exposes users to increased risks – such as viruses, Trojans, and other malware and malicious code – that usually accompany counterfeit software,” the company said in a statement.<\/p>\n
“These risks can seriously harm or permanently destroy data and often expose users to identity theft and other criminal schemes.”<\/p>\n