How to Protect Yourself from Software Piracy?

Both content creators and end-users are heavily impacted by software piracy.

Piracy of software has become a lot easier as software can now be distributed with incorporated malware within perfectly legitimate looking programs.

As software pirates become more sophisticated, they deploy a range of tactics, from unlicensed software distribution to embedding malicious codes within seemingly real programs.

To protect yourself from software piracy, one must first analyse the different acts of piracy and their consequences.

This article highlights some of the techniques and measures that can be used to protect yourself from software piracy.

Take a look to find out how to protect yourself from software piracy.

What is Software Piracy?

The term software piracy is used to describe the illegal, falsified reproduction, distribution, or usage of software without proper authorisation.

It is considered as a breach of copyright law and ranges from illegal downloading or sharing of software or even using a license key meant for different software.

Unlike the accepted practices of most individuals, it enables the use of software developed by other programmers without compensating the legitimate creators.

This is not only harmful for the developers, but can also potentially be damaging for the user due to the added chances of malware and reduced customer assistance.

Most people commit software data stealing by downloading programs off torrent sites or peer-to-peer networks which contain cracks within the software.

People download cracked versions of Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Office since those are popular pieces of software. Other examples include key generators which is software made for creating product keys to activate software without paying for it.

Moreover, companies can also practice software data stealing by installing illegal copies of software on several computers which goes against the software’s End User License Agreement (EULA).

This can put companies in a legal liability, and it prevents the developers from receiving the necessary funds to provide updates and further improve the application.

Lastly, as far as the invention is concerned, software piracy impacts the whole software development industry by causing a novel industry to lose out on considerable amounts of profits or funds.

Different Forms of Software Piracy

Almost any person or company can fall prey to the different forms of software data stealing that exist. These poses as numerous potential threats including legal actions, loss of substantial amounts of money, and even security threats.

Care should be taken to ensure that information systems applications and software are fully licensed and authorised to be used or distributed.

Some of the different types of software piracy are documented below:

1. Hard-disk Loading

This form of piracy occurs when businesses sell computers with illegal copies of software pre-installed on the hard drive.

The buyer might think they’re getting a deal with “free” software, but in reality, it’s unauthorised, and both the seller and buyer could face legal consequences.

2. Softlifting

Softlifting refers to the act of purchasing a single licensed copy of software and then installing it on multiple machines, contrary to the terms of the license agreement.

A common example is when someone buys a program and shares it with friends or family.

3. Client-server Overuse

In a network setting, this form of piracy happens when more users access the software on the server than the number of licenses purchased.

For instance, if a company buys a 10-user license but allows 20 employees to access the software, they’re engaging in client-server overuse.

4. Counterfeiting

This is the illegal reproduction and sale of copyrighted software in a form that is almost identical to the genuine product.

Counterfeit software often comes in packaging that closely resembles the original, making it hard for consumers to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products.

5. Online Piracy

With the rise of the internet, online piracy has become rampant. This involves downloading software from the internet without paying for it.

Websites, peer-to-peer networks, and internet auction sites are common platforms where pirated software is distributed.

6. Renting

This involves purchasing software and then renting it out to users for a fee.

Unless the software’s licensing agreement specifically allows for renting or leasing, this practice is considered piracy.

7. OEM Un-bundling

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) software is bundled with specific hardware and is not meant to be sold separately.

However, some dealers might unbundle the software from the hardware and sell them separately, which is a form of piracy.

Why You Should Avoid Pirated Software?

Here are some important points that concern the use of pirated software:

• Security Risks: Pirated software can compromise the security features built into genuine software. It can be infected with malware, spyware, viruses, etc., which can severely harm your system, data, and privacy.
• No Updates or Support: Sometimes issues arise while using software because of bugs, threats, being hacked, etc. In these instances people immediately need software support. Unfortunately, unlicensed pirated software does not offer cover and support to its users.
• Legal Consequences: Using pirated software is illegal. Individuals or companies found using or distributing pirated software can be subjected to significant fines, legal proceedings, and reputational damage.
• Ethical Considerations: Pirating software is actually stealing the intellectual property of another person. The developers of the software spend effort, time, and money to produce their products. With pirated copies, you’re robbing them of the rightful profits and credit they are entitled to.
• Performance Issues: Pirated software tends to perform poorly compared to its legitimate version. It may crash frequently, be missing important features, or even damage your data.
• Economic Impact: Extensive illicit usage of unlawful software harms the software sector and generates revenue loss, lower stimulus to innovate, and even lost employment.
• Integrity and Reputation: For companies, pirating software can harm the reputation of such firms. Partners and clients would doubt the integrity of a company that does not uphold intellectual property rights.

Best Practices on How to Protect Yourself from Software Piracy

Some of the best practices on how to protect yourself from software piracy are listed below:

Purchase from Reputable Sources

Buy software only from the software company or authorised resellers.

Unsuspecting websites or third-party retailers with no history of success may provide pirated or tampered software. Avoid using unfamiliar websites and stores.

Check Licensing Agreements

Always read and know the licensing agreement before installing any software. This will ensure that you’re respecting the terms, including how many installations are permitted.

Ignorance is not bliss, and knowing these agreements will protect you from inadvertent piracy.

Restrict Software Installation to a Few Key People

Keep the number of people who can install software to a minimum, particularly in a business environment.

By centralising this responsibility, you can more effectively manage and control the software used, so it’s all licensed and legitimate.

Make Sure You Have Enough Licenses for All Users

It’s essential to ensure that the number of software licenses you own matches the number of users or installations.

Overlooking this can lead to unintentional piracy, especially in larger organisations.

Perform a Regular Software Audit

Regularly inspect the software installed on your computer or network. This not only aids in detecting any unlicensed or unauthorised software but also keeps all the software updated, minimising security threats.

Avoid Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Sharing Sites

These sites are notorious for hosting pirated software.

Even if you’re trying to download legitimate software, there’s a high risk of ending up with a pirated or malware-infested version. It’s best to steer clear.

Avoid ‘Cracked’ Versions

Software that claims to be a “cracked” version of expensive software, offering full functionality for free or at a significantly reduced price, is a red flag.

These versions are often pirated and can pose significant risks, including malware and compromised performance.

Write Internal Procedures and Perform Regular Mock Audits

For businesses, having clear internal procedures regarding software procurement and usage is crucial.

This ensures everyone is on the same page and reduces the risk of unintentional piracy. Regular mock audits can test the effectiveness of these procedures and ensure compliance.

Following these practices, both individuals and companies can minimize their chances of becoming victims of software piracy and ensure that their software environment is compliant and safe.

How is Software Protected from Illegal Copying and Piracy?

Developers and software companies always ensure that protection against illegal copying and software piracy is in their software development goals. The following steps highlight how software is restricted from any unauthorised activities

1. Licensing Agreements

In most cases, before a user installs or makes use of a program, they are required to accept the licensing agreement.

This agreement determines how the software should not be used including how many devices can install it or how many users can access it.

2. Product Activation

Before using many software products, they must be activated first. Usually, such software requires a user’s unique product key to be entered followed by an online verification with the software company.

If the key option is invalid or has been exceeded, the activation will fail, meaning that the software will not be able to work..

3. Copy Protection

Some software comes with copy-protection features that are very sophisticated as they make unauthorised copying of the software impossible.

This can include the use of special codes or ciphers to which attempting simple copying will prove to be futile.

4. Regular Updates

Software companies usually publish upgrades periodically, which includes the removal of vulnerabilities that pirates have loopholes in.

Ensuring that software is periodically updated protects it from new methods of piracy.

5. Online Authentication

Some application software put restrictions on use until a user logs into an online account with a username and password.

This ensures only those who possess a valid license key are able to operate the software

6. Code Obfuscation

Application software developers can use code encryption or scrambling techniques to ensure that that the source code of the software is made out of reach of the pirates who wish to reverse engineer the software.

7. Watermarking

If software gets illegally exploited, watermarking can be used to trace back to the original owner of the software. Watermarks are frequently used to provide copyright protection.

Check out the link article to know more about How can Software be Protected from Piracy?

How to Sidestep Hefty Fines?

One of the significant risks of overlooking software piracy is facing hefty fines from entities like the BSA, commonly referred to as the Software Alliance.

The penalties can range from three to five times the software’s original price, and in extreme cases, culprits might even face jail time.

Wondering how to minimise software piracy and dodge these fines?

The most effective approach is to purchase your software and hardware exclusively from recognised and official software vendors.

Some unscrupulous sellers might deploy counterfeit operating systems or include pirated software to cut corners or boost their margins.

Defend Your Software Against Piracy with Bytescare

Bytescare offers premier protection against software piracy, safeguarding your intellectual property and ensuring your earnings are secure.

Our advanced detection technology combats fake software and unauthorised sales, enhancing the trust and reputation of your brand.

We serve as a protective barrier, stopping users from inadvertently accessing pirated software by pinpointing and blocking deceptive websites.

Trust in Bytescare’s digital piracy monitoring services to ensure that your software is only accessed via authorised avenues.

This approach not only curtails piracy but also upholds the integrity of your distribution.

Looking to strengthen your software’s protection? Book a demo with Bytescare or reach out to us now. Your software’s safety deserves the gold standard.

What’s Next?

The array of software piracy methods is vast, but so are the tools and strategies to combat it.

Content owners, especially software owners, must be vigilant, employing tamper-proof software and robust anti-piracy measures.

End-user piracy can often be unintentional, stemming from online auction sites offering unauthorised copies or misunderstanding the End-user License Agreement.

It’s crucial for every user to source content from legitimate sources, respecting the rights of content creators and avoiding copyright violation.

By staying informed and proactive, we can ensure the integrity of original content and foster a safer digital environment for all.

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