7 Steps To Stop Software Piracy As An Individual or Company

 

Stop Software Piracy

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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