Software cracking is the modification of software to remove or disable features which are considered undesirable by the person cracking the software, usually related to protection methods: copy protection, trial/demo version, serial number, hardware key, date checks, CD check or software annoyances like nag screens and adware. The distribution and use of cracked copies is illegal in almost every
. developed country.There have been lawsuits over cracking software claiming it is a form of software piracy and theft, and while it is an identified problem, the act of cracking software rarely goes punished.The most common software crack is the modification of an application's binary to cause or prevent a specific key branch in the program's execution. This is accomplished by reverse engineering the compiled program code using a debugger into assembly language until the software cracker reaches the area that contains the primary method of protecting the software (basically removing the lock on the software activation key). The binary code (which is the assembly code) is then modified using the debugger or a hex editor in a manner that will either always execute a specific subroutine or skip over it. Almost all common software cracks are a variation of this type. Proprietary software developers are constantly developing techniques such as code obfuscation, encryption, and self-modifying code to make this modification increasingly difficult. Even with these measures being taken, developers struggle to combat software cracking. This is because it is very common for a professional to publicly release a simple cracked executable for public download, eliminating the need for inexperienced users to crack the software themselves.Common software programs that are prone to being cracked include the Microsoft Office suite of products and its operating systems (such as XP, 7, and Vista). However, cracking major enterprise-grade applications (especially Boson Netsim, which is built by Cisco) will prove slightly more difficult to do. There are layers of encryption that you will need to deconstruct to reach the assembly code level. However, just like cracking consumer software, it is possible and may be done with cracked executables online at many forums hackers and coders use to share information or through P2P websites such as Torrent. More reference links: www.mindspring.com/~win32ch/Crackit.htm http://www.boson.com/netsim-cisco-network-simulator
