What is Cracktivator software?

Cisco Talos coined the term “Cracktivator software” to reference counterfeit or modified software for pirated versions of Windows applications. 

One of our teammates, James Nutland, led the research to look into cracked versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system and other Microsoft applications such as Office.  

Both products use Microsoft key management service (KMS), which typically allows organizations to activate systems on their own network. Cracktivators co-opt this service by altering the system to allow pirated keys. The term could …

applications cisco cisco talos counterfeit cracked james key key management kms led management microsoft microsoft windows office operating system pirated products reference research service software system talos what is windows