File this under the “uhoh not good” category. A tool has been discovered in the Windows community that allows pirates to crack paid apps from the Windows Store. The tool is called Wsservice_crk and includes the ability to crack Windows Store apps, sideload unsigned apps to they can run on Windows 8, as well as source codes and docs.
“Installing the hacking tool is not without risk, as it requires patching system files before it can be used. Afterwards it is only a matter of downloading trial apps from Windows Store and pushing a single button to turn the trial app into the full version,” the report states. However, this hack has its limitations too. Not only is it incompatible with Windows RT but cracked apps cannot be updated via the Windows Store. This is the very first crack application for Windows 8 that bypasses the protection built into the Windows Store. What sort of negative affect with this have towards app developers? Obviously nothing good can come out of this. On a side note, we will not provide any assistance in locating or distributing such a tool. Microsoft is apparently investigating this matter.
Further reading: Microsoft, Windows Store
