Top pirated software such as Adobe Photoshop CS5.1, Ahead Nero 10, Microsoft Office 2010, Norton 360, and various gaming software were then downloaded and executed for analyzing purposes.

For this experiment, researchers gathered over 43,900 download links manually and automatically through three common networks, Usenet, One Click Hosters (OCHs) like RapidShare, and BitTorrent. Recent research done by the Vienna University of Technology shows that distributing infected cracks or keygens is one of the ways malware can spread. How does malware spread from cracks and keygens to your computer? The underground market for malware distribution is thriving with providers lending services from anti-virus evasions to infection services.

The general public can download the cracks and key generations for copyrighted media through third party hosts, which, through advertisements, can generate revenue for these groups. Copyrighted media are distributed through underground warez groups whose primary motivations are not for monetary gains, but merely reputation within the underground community. Recent research shows that websites and programs related to software piracy are likely to be infected with malware due to the way they are distributed. The image on this page is one example of a keygen program, which often comes infected with malware. Despite these approaches, a study covering 116 countries shows approximately 42% of installed software is pirated. To combat software piracy, manufacturers often incorporate certain tools such as serial numbers, license key checks, or special hardware requirements. Today, downloading copyrighted material not only threatens the entertainment industry and software developers, but also the individuals themselves that are downloading. Malware in File Sharing Piracy is associated with malware

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