Microsoft has unfolded a new Genuine Software Initiative to battle software piracy, bundling the vendor's main anti-piracy efforts.

The initiative will put increased focus on the security risks posed by pirated software, the company said. Pirated software in some cases comes bundled with spyware or contains bugs that affect system stability. There are also known cases where website promising discounted software in reality are set up to steal credit card information.

“It used to be that we were dealing simply with unlicensed counterfeit copies of software, which hurt Microsoft and the ecosystem of partners that makes a living selling our products,” said Cori Hartje, Microsoft's director of License Compliance.

“Today the problem is much bigger, and it’s our responsibility to do whatever we can to help protect consumers and ensure that they are purchasing and using genuine Microsoft software.”

Microsoft also plans to continue investing in anti-counterfeiting technologies in its software, including the Windows Genuine Advantage application. The tool blocks access to certain free downloads to users of pirated copies of Microsoft software.

The vendor lastly plans to step up its legal battle against organisations involved in counterfeiting software.