Are you someone who downloads cracked software just to avoid paying for premium tools? Microsoft Threat Intelligence has recently uncovered a fake-download campaign that uses modified software installers to secretly add unwanted programs to Windows PCs. According to the company, the campaign targets people searching for cracked commercial software, game installers, activators, plugins and other free utilities. Microsoft has identified three major ways these programmes misuse your PC. But don’t worry, the company has also introduced several ways to keep your device safe. Follow along with the article to learn what Microsoft has discovered and how you can protect your PC.
Microsoft has recently published a blog post where they summarised its investigation in which the attackers use fake download pages to promote installers that look like genuine software packages. According to Microsoft, this software includes cracked audio plugins, PC games, Roblox executors, auto-clickers, driver tools and unofficial utilities.
The tech company said that when a user opens a harmful cracked file, a changed installer creates temporary files on the Windows system and runs other programs in the background. These programmes connect to different online servers to decide what additional software to install.
They further added that these processes can deliver several unwanted applications during a single installation, often without the user’s clear knowledge or permission.
Microsoft identified three major threats during their investigation. The first is that the operators could misuse your internet connection by installing software called WorldProxyPool. This tool allows strangers to route their internet traffic through your PC. Not only that, but the software can also run automatically in the background, even after you close the installer.
Other than that, the company also found that software like CharityEngine, BOINC and VirtualBox is installed when you run the cracked software. These programmes can use your computer’s processing power without your permission, which may slow down your PC. Although these tools can have legitimate uses, installing them without your consent is what makes them a risk.
Lastly, the company also pointed out that the cracked software could bring unwanted adware-style utilities to your PC. There have been instances where programmes such as Advanced Windows Manager and Windows Manager were installed on users’ devices without their full knowledge.
Microsoft has also suggested ways to keep your PC safe. The tech giant recommends avoiding cracked software, unofficial game installers, activation tools and downloads from untrusted websites. Not only that, but they also asked users to enable Microsoft Defender’s cloud-delivered protection, tamper protection, reputation-based protection and protection against potentially unwanted applications (PUA).
In case you have recently installed software from an unfamiliar source, check your installed applications and look for unexpected scheduled tasks or programs running in the background.