Small businesses are oblivious to the security risks inherent with using unlicensed software, and many believe there are no dangers at all, a new survey reveals.
Research conducted by the British Software Alliance (BSA) found that 85% of small and medium-sized businesses do not realise that using illegal software could make them more vulnerable to viruses.
What’s more, only half of those questioned were ‘completely confident’ that all their software is legal and a worrying 41% are under the impression that there is ‘no risk’ whatsoever from using unlicensed software.
According to the BSA, not only are these businesses leaving themselves open to serious legal and financial consequences from copyright violation, they are also more vulnerable to security breaches.
“It’s clear from the research that directors of many British businesses just don’t realise the risks of using illegal software,” said Ram Dhaliwal, UK member committee chair at the BSA.
“Small and medium-sized businesses need to recognise that they could be susceptible to serious operational and IT risks, aside from the legal and financial consequences.”
Businesses using unlicensed software risk fines of more than £10,000 and are jeopardising their data by using products that do not receive the same support, services or upgrades as legal versions, the BSA argued.
“Simply by having better software management processes in place – such as regular audits, enforced employee usage policies and license management – small businesses could avoid finding themselves in this situation.” Dhaliwal added.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
