Software piracy is
the unauthorized copying, modification, distribution, or even sale of legally
protected software. If the software is purchased and used illegally, it is
harmful to your business, the software industry, and the economy.
Statistics show that
in 2018 alone, there were 190 billion visits to pirate sites, with the US at
the top of the list of the most affected countries, which should make you think
that you could become a victim at any time if you are not careful.
Many companies have
suffered from software piracy, and if you are not alert, your company could be
next.
This guide outlines
steps you can go along with to stop piracy as an individual or company
Personal
measures
Step 1:
Read License Agreement for End-User Software Carefully
The license specifies
how you can legally use the software, how many computers you can install, and
the option of making a backup copy. Most software companies will not allow you
to install the software until you agree to it.
Step 2:
Purchase of the software CD from a reputable dealer
Piracy is similar to
the original, and if you are not careful you may end up buying the illegal
product. To avoid this, you need to look for a reputable software company. A
look at the manufacturer's website will help you see the authentication marks
that guarantee genuine software. Microsoft, for example, affixes an authority
certificate to the packaging of its products, and other reputable companies use
silkscreen artworks and their trademarks on their CDs. Do not buy software that
you have not verified. You can always contact the manufacturer's anti-piracy
department for clarification.
Step 3:
Buy software from the manufacturer's website
Peer-to-peer
exchanges are a big disappointment - don't try them. Never place your software
on these sites - keep them away. These sites offer deals and discounts that you
might find pocket-friendly but end up disappointed.
Step 4:
Register your software
Registering your
software keeps others who may want to install it illegally on their computers
in check. This is called soft-lifting and is the primary source of software
piracy.
Step 5:
Report Piracy
If you find that the
software you purchased is not original or a retailer sells counterfeit
software, report it. This is a necessary measure that will help others to
protect themselves from the software thieves.
Measures
for businesses/companies
Step 1:
Make sure you have a software policy statement distributed to all employees
Get some clear rules
and guidelines that define the use and distribution of company software. You
also need to have an anti-piracy declaration that every employee must sign and
return.
Step 2:
Perform a regular software audit
Make sure that each
employee records the product name, version, and a serial number of the software
installed on their computer to verify the authenticity and weed out any that is
not genuine.
Software piracy puts
your computer at risk, and you could suffer a loss if your corporate computers
are hacked. To prevent such attacks, you must ensure that you obtain your
software from an authorized vendor and confirm the manufacturer before you pay.
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