Web Security News

Hackers bypass Windows 7 remote activation requirement with software workaround

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Instead of the more traditional BIOS loader or OEM BIOS methods, digital pirates have rolled out a software-based way to circumvent Windows 7's required online activation, making it easier to use stolen copies of Microsoft's new OS.

Several tools are available online, with the most popular being RemoveWAT (meaning "Windows Activation Technology") and Chew-WGA, according to My Digital Life. Both of these utilities use various means to accomplish the same end; removing or blacklisting the files that Windows uses to start the activation process.

My Digital Life reports that the workarounds were made possible by Microsoft's less strict security settings in Windows 7, which were put in place to cut down on false positives and reduce installation headaches for users. Windows Vista, which featured more active security measures, was never permanently cracked.

Windows 7's security features have drawn mixed reviews, with most praising the removal of Vista's intrusive User Account Control features, but some arguing that the OS is less safe than its predecessors precisely because UAC is less ubiquitous.ADNFCR-1765-ID-19465124-ADNFCR

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