Many details about Windows 8 were leaked prior to the operating system’s late–2012 launch, and while the tech community appreciated the advanced information, the individual responsible for several key leaks is now facing federal criminal charges over the incident. Software architect Alex Kibkalo, a former Microsoft employee, was arrested Wednesday in Seattle on the charge of theft of trade secrets.
Alex Kibkalo allegedly leaked a number of files related to Windows 8 to a French blogger in the summer of 2012. The blogger then posted screenshots of the leaked materials which quickly spread online, and even contacted Microsoft directly in order to verify the authenticity of the information.
But Microsoft wasn’t primarily interested in leaked information about the features of its upcoming operating system. Instead, the company was reportedly concerned about something else that Mr. Kibkalo is alleged to have stolen: Microsoft’s Activation Server Software Development Kit. This software forms the backbone of the company’s software activation technology, and its distribution online could allow hackers to reverse-engineer the copy protection of Microsoft products, leading to piracy. According to investigators, Mr. Kibkalo not only sent the Activation Kit to the blogger, he also encouraged its distribution online.
Following the French blogger’s contact with Microsoft, the company’s “Trustworthy Computing Investigations” team tracked him down via his Hotmail and instant messaging accounts. Those accounts revealed the blogger’s communications with Mr. Kibkalo, and Microsoft then turned the information over to the FBI.
Once Alex Kibkalo was identified as the suspect, other similar leaks were quickly traced to him as well, including a number of releases related to Windows 7. So why did Alex Kibkalo do it? After seven years with Microsoft, he was apparently angry with the company following a poor performance review.
The case is U.S. v. Kibkalo, Case No 2:14-mj–00114-MAT, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington at Seattle.
