James Delahunty
12 Apr 2007 5:11
Microsoft Corp. is well aware of two main hacks for Vista activation, performed by tricking the installed operating system into identifying the computer's source as an OEM. However, the company does not view the hacks as a widescale threat just yet, but said it may take action if it appears that more hackers decide to take breaking Windows Vista OEM activation as challenge.
"Because Windows Vista can't be pirated as easily as Windows XP, it's possible that the increased pressure will result in more interest in efforts to hack the OEM Activation 2.0 implementation," Alex Kochis, a Microsoft senior product manager, wrote in a blog. Two main hacks that the company has identified include either modifying the BIOS of the motherboard to make it "appear" as being OEM sourced or simply fooling the operating system with a software driver installation.
"Our goal isn't to stop every 'mad scientist' that's on a mission to hack Windows. Our goal is to disrupt the business model of organized counterfeiters and protect users from becoming unknown victims. This means focusing on responding to hacks that are scalable and can easily be commercialized," Kochis said. The last time Microsoft faced the hacking of an operating system activation was with Windows XP in 2001.
Source:
The Register