According to some underground forums that have been previously linked to some of the leaked pre-release Windows 8 builds, Microsoft has apparently fired some of its employees for leaking confidential pre-release builds.

Cross-Continental Leaks

According to the reports, two employees were fired in connection with the leaked pre-release builds that were posted on the Internet. One was apparently based in Russia whilst the other was working out of the heart of Microsoft territory at their headquarters at Redmond.

Since Microsoft is not under any compulsion to comment on internal affairs such employee terminations, there has been no official confirmation of this. Still, this leaked piece of news is for once quite believable at its face value.

If someone has been leaking confidential builds of a major piece of software such as the future version of the Windows OS, it is very possible that the company will be able to track the perpetrator down and take actions.

No More Windows 8 Leaks? Not Really

There have been concerns about whether this would mean the end of all pre-release tidbits that we have been enjoying so far. But the answer is definitely a no. What Microsoft has allegedly done will only stop the leaks happening from within their official ranks. But they are not the only ones who have confidential releases.

Chosen OEM partners also have access to it because they need to test their devices on it and leaks are bound to happen from within these OEM’s because it is quite impossible for Microsoft to track those down. And OEM’s are not really going to bother about firing their employees, because it will make them look bad in front of a big ally such as Microsoft. Hence, the current situation will only slow the whole process down but not stop it.

In meantime, there will be newer people inside Microsoft who will be tempted to share these builds with the world and cycle will continue.

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