Gtron Solutions, LLC

Chinese hackers have reportedly tinkered with the final code for Windows 7 even as Microsoft and manufacturers are still just getting familiar with the newly released application.

Security experts have called it ironic that the Windows 7 code that was made purposely to counter piracy is now circling the hacking community in China. Various Chinese online forums have reported that several Chinese hackers have taken advantage of a hole in Windows Genuine Advantage anti-piracy system in Windows Ultimate release. What the hackers did was to fully activate the software offline, thus depriving Microsoft of the exclusivity as activation server.

Chinese hackers have allegedly used an ISO file that was leaked on the network to be able to hack the activation certificate digitally signed by Microsoft for the OEM version of Windows 7.

In response, Microsoft has quickly released a statement urging customers not to avail of the pirated copy. 

Microsoft's statement  reads:

We are aware of reports of activation exploits that attempt to circumvent activation and validation in Windows 7, and we can assure customers that Microsoft is committed to protecting them from counterfeit and pirated software. Microsoft strongly advises customers not to download Windows 7 from unauthorised sources. Downloading Windows 7 from peer-to-peer websites exposes users to increased risks — such as viruses, trojans, and other malware and malicious code — that usually accompany counterfeit software. These risks can seriously harm or permanently destroy data and often expose users to identity theft and other criminal schemes.