Software giant Microsoft has confirmed it is
investigating after hackers posted details of how to get around its
Genuine Advantage anti-piracy system on the internet.
Microsoft’s Windows Genuine Advantage programme requires users
to confirm the serial number of their Windows package before
updating it online through the Windows Update site.
But hackers claim it took less than 24 hours to break through
the security measure aimed at excluding users of counterfeit
software. The hackers’ code and a gleeful announcement have been
posted on the boingboing.net weblog.
A Microsoft spokesperson said, “Because of the high value we are
providing to genuine users, we are not surprised hackers would try
a number of methods to circumvent the safeguards provided by
Windows Genuine Advantage.
“It is important to note that this issue is not a security
vulnerability or a hack that puts customers at risk. We’re
investigating the claims now and will take action in response as
appropriate. As the validation system is updated from time to time,
we will address this and other issues that may arise.”
