[fname]

"...also alleged to have stolen Microsoft’s “Activation Server Software Development Kit,” a propriety system used to prevent the unauthorized copying of Microsoft programs."[1]

And another expansion on what the leak could allow:

"According to the reports, not only was Windows 8 leaked, but he also leaked Windows 7 files and the Microsoft Activation Server Software Development Kit which when reverse engineered, could allow hackers to crack the Activation process within Windows, meaning that pirated copies of Windows 7 could continue to function without the nagging presence of popup messages warning users about their copy of Windows."[2]

[1]: http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Ex-Microsoft-employee...

[2]: http://www.ubergizmo.com/2014/03/microsoft-employee-responsi...

[anon4]

> could allow hackers to crack the Activation process within Windows

They already have. Well, maybe not exactly cracked, but there are workarounds. I'm pretty sure I don't need to list them here, because they're just a google search away.

[MichaelGG]

Oh so it is an internal SDK, like something MS shares between Windows and Office or something? I'd expect it to rely on something other than a global secret. Or maybe they mean that with the source, it's easier to see how the activation checks are implemented and help reverse engineer them out?

Either way, pretty sure all MS products are widely available pirated.