Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me

Security, Software 1 Minute

Long Zheng looks at the latest Microsoft research on counterfeit software and piracy and turns the numbers on their head. 

Does that mean 75% of websites accessed offer[ing] counterfeit product keys, pirated software, key generators or crack tools did not attempt to install malicious software? And are in theory, safe?

[…]

Does that mean an astounding 89% of key generators and crack tools downloaded from web sites were also safe?

[…]

Does that mean 41% of key generators and crack tools downloaded from P2P networks were also safe?

And apparently 76% of counterfeit copies passed activation, too.

This is purely satirical commentary, Long hastens to add. And they’re just hypothetical questions, too.

Published by Ed Bott

Tech journalist. Author of 25+ books. ZDNET Contributing Editor since 2006. Contact info: https://edbott.com/contact-me/

Published

4 thoughts on “Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me”

  1. Funny thing is, the invisible hand of the free market probably works on pirates, too. Maybe there is honor among thieves, but I suspect the folks who are “savvy” enough to pirate Windows (and with Microsoft tightening the screws, I suspect it will become more and more of a Mensa test among not only the crack-makers, but the crack-consumers, too) are also savvy enough (or cynical enough) to inspect the system for anything like trojans and bots… and if a supplier is dirty, the consumer will spread the word and destroy his reputation.

    However, this probably won’t apply to the pirated software that is sold in the grey market to consumers in places like China and Russia (or even off the internet to Americans)… Those consumers won’t be savvy enough to notice the hidden spambot in the corner, and they probably wouldn’t report it since they realize the deal might have been a little shady…

  2. IE7 Upgrade for genuine windows customers only!!!!
    Got this message as update for windows security notices:

    Windows Internet Explorer 7.0 for Windows XP
    Date last published: 11/1/2006
    Download size: 14.8 MB
    This free upgrade to Internet Explorer for genuine Windows customers offers improvements such as: enhanced security to help protect you from malicious software and fraudulent websites; a cleaner look, including tabs for browsing multiple pages in one window; features to make everyday tasks such as printing and searching the web easier. This upgrade preserves your current home page, search settings, favorites, and compatible toolbars, and can be uninstalled if you decide to do so.
    System Requirements
    Recommended CPU: Not specified.
    Recommended memory: Not specified.
    Recommended hard disk space: Not specified.
    How to Uninstall
    To remove Internet Explorer 7, open Control Panel and double-click ‘Add or Remove Programs’. In the list, find ‘Windows Internet Explorer 7’, select it, and click ‘Remove’. Then follow the instructions in the uninstall wizard.
    Get help and support
    http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=71719
    More information

    http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=71727

    Ironic that you have to have a real copy of windows to download this upgrade (He-He). Oh you can remove it also when it crashes!

Comments are closed.