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Software: Illegal use in companies and its impact on cybersecurity

Businesses are always at constant risk of being attacked by malware, phishing, spam, ransomware, and outright attacks. All these are related to cybersecurity, from which they have to be protected efficiently and one of the great economic reasons. According to some experts, in 2015 cyber attacks cost companies more than $400 billion dollars, 36% more than the previous year. The website specialized in the subject Globb Security explains that these figures are equivalent to one malware attack every seven minutes. Additionally, cybersecurity attacks also damage the reputation of companies in front of their customers. It affects confidence and a lot of money can be lost.

What to do to prevent malware attacks?

There are many actions that can be taken to prevent unwanted attacks through the web. For example, you can and should install security software, such as antivirus, and train employees. Another action is also to make use of legal software.

Users today highly value that a company is cybersecure. That is why you should consider taking the minimum necessary actions in yours if you want to prevent problems and losses of money related to online security. In addition to security in the organization's networks and systems so that there are no vulnerabilities, they must dispense with the use of illegal or pirated software.

Illegal or pirated software can create vulnerabilities in the computers where they are installed and cause serious problems throughout the organization. Unfortunately, it is also a practice spread throughout the world to avoid paying the high sums of money that some programs cost.

Globb Security argues that among the consequences of using illegal software is the possible loss of money. “An increase in the use of legal software has a direct impact on the cybersecurity of companies. Something to keep in mind, since the cost of a successful cyberattack in an organization represents an average cost of 11 million dollars for companies ”, they say in an article published on their blog.

Other disadvantages of using illegal software

In addition to running the risk of malware infection, after installing illegal software you run the risk of presenting problems that you will not be able to solve since you do not have the technical support of the program's developers. Official licenses generally protect against failure, and if the software is pirated, you obviously won't have this help.

Another disadvantage is being fined by law. Many countries use copyright laws to protect software developers. In the event that your company is found to be using pirated software, it can lead to very high fines as violating copyright is considered a crime.

It is important for companies to ensure that illegal software is not installed on company employees' computers. As we have already mentioned, there can be very high fines, but depending on the country's legislation, it may be ordered to suspend activities, close the premises, prison and even dissolve the company.

Is it worth the risk? The fines imposed are sometimes up to four times what it would cost to pay for the legal license of the computer program.

Create awareness

An important action that companies can take to prevent their employees from installing illegal software on computers is to run internal awareness campaigns. They may not be aware of the possible legal consequences that the use of pirated software can have and what it can mean for them: forced closure and loss of jobs, for example.

We invite you to read more about related topics at our blog And if you require advice for software development, digital marketing, social networks and more, ¡you can contact us!