Software Pirates Loot the App Store

Posted by: weiganla on Jul 31 2008

Call me cynical, but you had to know this was coming. If you have no conscience and know where to look, you’ve been able to get DRM-cracked music and movies for iPods for ages. It’s only been a few weeks since the App Store launched, but now you can add iPhone/Touch applications to the list.

Strictly in the name of research, I decided to see just what the pirates are pushing. It took me about two minutes to find 43 warez applications — and don’t look at me like you’re expecting a link, cause that ain’t gonna happen. With around 600 non-free applications to attack, what did the pirates think was worth targeting?

Apparently pirates really like games. Who knew? Games made up most of the list, but there were also a few utilities and useful information programs. The winner for sheer ironic value: eWallet. Yep, a program dedicated to information security is on the pirates’ A-list. Fortunately eWallet’s developers have a sense of humor:

What can I say! We’re honored!

I’ll tell you, I really wish we could use this as part of a major marketing campaign. I mean, if a hacker thinks eWallet is the safest place to store their passwords and other critical information, it really says something about the level of security eWallet gives you. It’s like a skydiver telling you which parachute to buy or a police officer suggesting a particular brand of bullet proof jacket.

For those of us who prefer to stay on the right side of the law, there is a legitimate way to share apps using the 5-allowed-computer-authorizations in iTunes. A step-by-step walkthrough is here.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!