This is valid for all bootlegged software

Feb 20, 2007 11:03 GMT  ·  By

This is another Microsoft Exclusive. In the wake of Windows Vista's commercial availability, I have contacted Microsoft for an extensive interview on the operating system's security. In one of the questions I was looking for Microsoft's position on the risks associated with downloading, purchasing and deploying pirated copies of Windows Vista. Microsoft's Stephen Toulouse, senior program manager for the Trustworthy Computing Group described the risks consumers face when handling software that they expect is genuine.

"This can result in users subjecting themselves to potential identity theft, malware and other security threats that could be embedded in the software. Studies indicate that pirated software can install unwanted or malicious code, and some install Windows but leave the system vulnerable to take over of administrative rights so that it can be controlled or watched remotely," Toulouse stated via email.

And this applies to Windows Vista just as much as to the previous operating systems from Microsoft. Users have to understand that pirated software is not a bargain, but an expensive investment that they will pay for with their data, bandwidth and their systems.

"IDC research, commissioned by Microsoft, shows that users running counterfeit software have a 17% chance of getting a virus or Trojan that can slip through current anti-virus software. 25% of Websites that offer Windows at prices "too good to be true" attempt to install unwanted software such as viruses, spyware or Trojan Horses, many of which are too sophisticated for current anti-virus software," Toulouse added. But the IDC's perspective over piracy risks is mild. There are in fact reports according to which approximately 50% of the free downloads for Windows Vista are infected with malicious code.

Just be on the lookout this week for the complete, mile-long interview with Stephen Toulouse.