Windows 10 created a buzz after the release of the first preview version in early October and continues to generate interest with each new update.
Cybercriminals apparently spotted an opportunity to make money after the release of Windows 10 Technical Preview, so it's no surprise that the internet is now filled with activators that promise to allow users to use the new operating system without any restrictions.
However, there are two facts worth taking into account.
First of all, most of these scams are posted on YouTube and usually involve videos demonstrating the application that supposedly activates Windows 10.
Secondly, there is usually no malware involved in these scams, but this is not always the case. There are online scams that also try to install malicious files on users' computers, and this is one reason to avoid such tactics.
In some of these cases, the scams do not have any negative effects on the users' computer, as most of them lead users to visit websites that generate profit for the cybercriminal.
The YouTube videos mentioned above are usually accompanied by download links for the demoed applications, so by following these links, the user is directed to a file sharing website where the relevant file is stored. Once the download process is complete and the user tries to unzip the file, they discover that it is password protected. A text document that usually accompanies the requested file directs the user to another page to find the password.
As the new page loads, a survey questionnaire appears and the user is asked to answer all the questions in order to continue. After the user fills in all the fields, they will eventually be directed to a blank page without the password for the file they were looking for, but the cybercriminal gets paid from this process as the more users answer, the bigger their profits.
Windows 10 is free for everyone and users can download and install it on as many devices as they want. No activator is required, as the operating system is automatically activated after installation.
The Windows 10 Technical Preview, however, expires on April 15, 2015, but by then, Microsoft is expected to have completed work on the new operating system and possibly release the stable version for all users.
Users who have already installed Windows 10 Technical Preview on their computers will not be able to upgrade to the stable version of the new operating system.
