Unlicensed software and malware, closely linked: BSA – The Economist

From 600 million computers in 81 countries IDC found that the higher the rate of unlicensed software, the greater the amount provided computer viruses or malware installed PCs of those nations.

A study conducted by IDC in a sample of 600 million computers in 81 countries found that the higher the rate of unlicensed software, the greater is always the amount of malware or virus computer installed PCs these nations.

For example, in 2013, the rate of software piracy in the US was 18% and the rate of malware found was 13% in each quarter of the year . For Indonesia, the software piracy rate was 84% ​​and the rate of malware found was 44% per quarter.

Brazil with software piracy rate of 50%, had an incidence rate malicious code 31% per quarter in 2013.

The solution to this problem is simple, says a new report commissioned by The Business Software Alliance (BSA). The strengthening of strategies to combat illegal software by governments, companies, civil organizations and end users will lead to a clear reduction of cyber attacks.

“This analysis shows that the link between the use of unlicensed software and malware is real, which means that good management software management is an essential first step to reducing risks of cybersecurity, “said Jodie Kelley, senior vice president and general counsel at the BSA.

IDC analysis compared the rates of unlicensed software installed on computers in 81 countries, based on detections of malicious code by Microsoft, a partner in BSA. And it was based on a study of this association of technology firms and agencies of intellectual property, which had previously examined the global rates of use of unlicensed software.

In 2014, the Global Survey Software BSA reported that 54% of software installed in Mexico, for example, during 2013 did not have a license, compared with 43% worldwide, and further revealed that then existed in the country a rate of 31% of teams contaminated with malware.

The study also found that the main reason given by users worldwide not to use unlicensed software obeys the reason to avoid threats to their security.

The risks associated with unlicensed software, 64% of users worldwide cited unauthorized access by hackers as a major concern, and 59% associated it with the loss of data access.

BSA recommended this time users and organizations implementing internal controls and management practices of software assets that comply with ISO, to reduce exposure to cyber threats to ensure that all software installed in their systems count on the licenses.

Kiyoshi Tsuru, director general of the BSA in Mexico, said the asset management software is an effective tool to reduce risks of cyber attacks and a way to establish security practices in corporations.

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