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Microsoft makes it harder to get pirated software fixes

SEATTLE - Microsoft Corp. plans to severely curtail the ways in which people running pirated copies of its dominant Windows operating system can receive software updates, including security fixes.

The new authentication system, due to arrive by midyear, will allow people with pirated copies of Windows to get security fixes, but their options will be limited. The move allows Microsoft to use one of its sharpest weapons - access to security patches that can prevent viruses, worms and other crippling attacks - to thwart a costly and meddlesome piracy problem.

But some security experts said the crackdown could increase Internet security problems if there is a spike in unsecured computers open to attack, which then could be used to attack others.

David Lazar, a director of the effort, said Microsoft would monitor that potential problem closely.

But the company considers its authentication requirement one way to boost Internet security - countering the idea it might increase threats.

That's because pirated copies of Windows could contain viruses or other security threats, he said.

Over the next few months, the software behemoth will begin to more broadly adopt the program, called Windows Genuine Advantage, that urges users to provide proof their Windows copy is authentic before receiving some software updates.

By mid 2005, the program will become mandatory for Windows users to get virtually all updates, including security fixes available through the company's Windows Update Web site. But users who have pirated copies of Windows will be able to continue to get security fixes if they sign up to automatically receive security updates.

Russ Cooper, a senior scientist with Cybertrust Inc., said completely cutting off access to security fixes for pirated machines could cause a spike in malicious, Internet-based attacks. He lauded Microsoft for mitigating that problem by continuing to allow users to get the automatic updates, regardless of whether they're running pirated versions.

Still, Cooper said he expected Microsoft to eventually cut off that security update avenue for pirated copies. He said the company might feel it has few other options as it tries to stop the millions of users who are running pirated copes of Windows.

Microsoft said the company has no plans to require users running automatic updates to provide proof that their copies of Windows are genuine.

[Last modified January 27, 2005, 00:40:21]