Adobe's new cloud-integrated image editing application Photoshop CC has been pirated within a day of its release. Photoshop CC represents a big step away from standalone software for Adobe, and is only available through a monthly or annual subscription. As Fstoppers reports, pirated copies of the software are being shared through BitTorrent and don't require authentication with Adobe's servers. Photoshop CC was cracked in much the same way as previous versions of Photoshop, and the pirated application takes advantage of the software's offline mode, which only checks in with Adobe's servers once a month.

Although Creative Cloud represents more than an anti-piracy move — Adobe is focused on providing cloud services like online storage, version backups, online publishing, and social integration through its subscription model — there were hopes that the shift away from standalone software would help stop piracy. Photoshop is considered to be one of the most pirated pieces of software, along with other popular desktop apps like Microsoft's Office suite. With Office 365, Microsoft is similarly transitioning to a subscription model, but it also offers a full version of all Office as a one-off purchase, as well as many individual apps. Perhaps because of that — or perhaps because Microsoft's security is more advanced — Office 365 hasn't fallen victim to pirates yet.

It's difficult to imagine that Adobe didn't know this was going to happen. From the timeframes involved, it doesn't seem that the company has made a real attempt to improve its piracy protection. There are also a few caveats to bear in mind: users choosing to pirate the software won't be able to access many of Adobe's cloud features, which, aside from a few minor feature tweaks, are the main selling points of Photoshop CC. Ultimately, the company's goal of getting its paying customers locked into subscriptions isn't really affected by the software leak. Pirates will always find a way.