The Consequences of Using Cracked Software: How Pirated Programs Can Affect Your Business

The Risks of Pirated Software

Small and medium-sized businesses are always looking for ways to cut costs, but using pirated software is not the solution. Not only is it illegal, but it also poses a threat to your business security and productivity. A recent survey found that an alarming number of businesses are willing to use illegal software, with 56% even considering using pirated cyber security software. However, pirated software is unsupported, which means that if you encounter any issues, there is no help available to rectify it. Furthermore, it can open your business up to bigger problems such as malware attacks and data breaches.

Legal Implications of Using Pirated Software

Using pirated software can have serious legal consequences for your business. Not only are you breaking the law by using software without a valid license, but you also risk facing fines and penalties. Furthermore, using pirated software can also damage your business’s reputation, making it difficult to attract new customers and partners.

How Pirated Software Can Harm Your Business

Pirated software can harm your business in a number of ways. For one, it is often unsupported, which means that if you have a problem with it, there is no help available to rectify the issue. Additionally, pirated software can also slow down or damage your devices, causing costly repairs. Furthermore, it is common for cyber criminals to use pirated software to distribute malware, which can compromise your sensitive data and lead to costly attacks.

Conclusion

Using pirated software might seem like a way to save money in the short run, but in the long run it will actually cost your business more in fines, slow productivity, and potential damage to your business’s reputation. It is important to always use genuine software from a reputable source, and implement proper admin rights management and regular cyber security awareness training for your team. If you need help finding genuine software for your business or creating a cyber security plan, reach out to Crosstek IT for advice.