Unlicensed software increase security risks from malware- BSA Survey

Computer users cite the risk of security threats from malware as the top reason not to use unlicensed software. Among their specific concerns are intrusions by hackers and loss of data. Yet a striking 60 per cent of the software installed on personal computers in India in 2013 was not properly licensed.

These and other findings released in the BSA Global Software Survey underscore the need for effective software management practices, especially in business settings.

‘We have often seen cases where enterprises may not even be aware that they are using unlicensed software. With software licensing becoming increasingly complex, compounded by fast-paced cloud adoption and proliferation of devices through BYOD [bring your own device], organizations require a fresh approach in the way they manage licenses. As effective management of software assets becomes vital to organizations; tools such as BSA’s Verafirm can help mitigate risk while optimizing costs,” said Vipin Aggarwal, BSA India Committee Chair.

The BSA Global Software Survey is conducted every other year for BSA by IDC, which this year polled computer users in 34 markets including nearly 22,000 consumers and business PC users and more than 2,000 IT managers. Among the findings:

•         The rate at which PC software was installed without proper licensing in India was 60 per cent in 2013, a 3 percentage point decrease from 2011. The commercial value of that unlicensed software totaled over INR179 billion (US$2.9 billion).
 
•         The chief reason computer users around the world cite for not using unlicensed software is avoiding security threats from malware. Among the risks associated with unlicensed software, 64 percent of users globally cited unauthorized access by hackers as a top concern and 59 per cent cited loss of data.
 
•         IT managers around the world express understandable concern that unlicensed software may cause harm, yet less than half say they are very confident that their company’s software is properly licensed.
 
•         Only 33 per cent of companies in India have written policies in place requiring use of properly licensed software.