Is it practically true that cracked Microsoft applications are vulnerable to security threats ?

Question

One will agree that most of the Windows OS we use is not genuine. To save cost on the original product, people tend to go for the cracked ones. Microsoft declares that such versions are vulnerable to security threats. All that is missing with cracked versions is a valid installation key and everything else is the same as the original version.

So, how far is it true that cracked Windows versions are vulnerable to security threats ?

PS: Funny answers not welcome. Only people having material knowledge could answer.

Answer 1

Cracked Windows versions would not require a valid key; the purpose of a crack is to skip the validation portion. Windows OS's with a CD Key that is generated by a key generator are not much more vulnerable than Windows OS's that came with a Microsoft-provided key. The key security issue in this situation would be the CD itself. Someone distributing pirated versions of Windows XP could have modified the CD contents to include malicious software or content.

As a secondary concern, pirated versions of Windows cannot perform Automatic or Windows Updates, as these both require validation of the OS. So, technically, pirated Windows operating systems are only vulnerable *after install* when you do not install each security patch or update when it comes out. As no one is able to be there to install EVERY patch and update when it is released, pirated versions of Windows are more vulnerable to 0-day exploits (exploits that occur on the day the exploit is discovered).

That being said, pirated versions of Windows should not be used for more reasons than just the security concern. If you are using a key generator or non-Microsoft-provided key to install a pirated Windows XP, and someone attempts to use that key for their genuine copy of XP, then you may draw negative attention to yourself. Thus, I would recommend to anyone who cannot obtain a legal copy of Windows that they install a version of Linux and seek compatibility in performing common tasks.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

Yes and No.

The issue is that you can get a CD key to install Windows on your computer but that key may not be valid when you try to install or get patches for Microsoft. So when MS checks the validity of your windows it will fail and you will not be able to get the patches and thus your OS will be more vulnerable than others.

Answer 4

1) Because basically Most people use Microsoft windows PCs so they are more common so some how that makes Microsoft computers more venerable. All so it is so easy to get software to program stuff for a PC but not a mac. 2) I have no idea. sorry 3) Thats a very very very good question. What I think is that people can program for PCs but when it comes to mac it is way harder to get the hang of programing. There is mac viruses out there that can harm your mac, but I still use my mac without virus protection because I know if my mac gets a virus the person who did it would be going to jail.

Answer 5

"Most" people don't use stolen software, although I admit many people do.

Pirated copies of Microsoft's software ARE more vulnerable to security threats, simply beacuse you cannot go to MIcrosoft's website to download security updates and patches for "stolen" product.

That's fair, isn't it?