Microsoft code for Windows is leaked on Net

SEATTLE (AP) -- Microsoft Corp. says incomplete portions of the source code for some versions of its Windows computer operating system were leaked over the Internet, but analysts caution it's too early to say how much damage the leak may cause.
Microsoft spokesman Tom Pilla said pieces of source code -- the tightly guarded blueprint of its dominant computer operating system -- for its Windows 2000 and Windows NT4.0 operating systems had been "illegally made available on the Internet."
Access to the source code could allow hackers to exploit the operating system and attack machines running some versions of Windows. Several versions of the operating system, including the ones containing leaked code, are used on hundreds of millions of computers worldwide.
Edge for rivals
Such access could also provide a competitive edge to Microsoft rivals, who would gain a much better understanding of the inner workings of Microsoft's technology.
The company was made aware of the leak Thursday and was investigating, Pilla said. He did not know how much of the code had been leaked, when the leak occurred or how many people might have gained access to it. The company has contacted law enforcement authorities, he said.