Unauthorized software poses a malware risk that corporations must acknowledge and address.
In the digital age, cybersecurity has become a paramount concern for businesses worldwide. A new study has confirmed a significant connection between the use of unlicensed software and cybersecurity threats.
The study, which compared rates of unlicensed software installed on PCs with a measure of malware incidents on PCs across 81 countries, revealed a correlation higher than that between smoking and lung cancer, or education and income. This finding underscores the importance of using legitimate software to safeguard businesses from potential cyber-attacks.
The costs of dealing with malware can be astronomical. In 2014, enterprises spent a staggering $491 billion due to malware associated with counterfeit and unlicensed software. With the average organization experiencing a malware event every three minutes, it is clear that cybersecurity is a complex issue that businesses are struggling to address.
In the past year, 43% of companies experienced a data breach, a nightmare for CEOs that has affected numerous businesses. To mitigate these risks, companies can implement measures such as regular software audits, subscribing to legitimate licensing programs, and enhancing IT security protocols like firewalls and antivirus software.
COSO now recommends implementing internal controls for the legal use of technology, including software, in its revised Internal Control - Integrated Framework. The world class standard for Software Asset Management is ISO/IEC 19770-1:2012.
Jodie Kelley, General Counsel and Senior Vice President of BSA, The Software Alliance, urges CEOs to start implementing best practices to mitigate security risks. For more information on additional steps to take, visit BSA's website.
Despite the lack of specific public information on companies in Germany with high usage of unlicensed software, it is clear that this is a global issue that requires urgent attention. Organisations should prioritize protection from malware on their risk agenda.
The threats from cybercrime are real and significant. By taking proactive steps to ensure the legal use of software, businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks and safeguard their digital assets.
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