Discussion reply.
Software Piracy
In today's world of computers and technology there is am ongoing concern about security of our devices, and if what we are paying for is legal or not. The illegal copying, distributing and or use of software has cost manufactures billions of dollars. Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said that 90% of Chinese companies used Microsoft Windows but only about 1% were paying for it, Ballmer also stated the piracy was costing the company about $10 billion (Meyer).
September 2017, a Chinese National pleaded guilty to software piracy, Wen Tao Liu was arrested trying to return to his home country. At the time of his arrest Liu possessed 318,213 unauthorized Microsoft product key codes, the codes worth about $250 each would have cost Microsoft $79,553,250 in revenue (DOJ). As part of an eight-man organization, the group are estimated to have sold over $100 million worth of illegal counterfeit software products (DOJ).
As for the effect that piracy has om personnel computers is the risk of malware being installed on the computer through the pirated software. According to a study commissioned by Microsoft, conducted by the National University of Singapore found the 92% of new computers installed with non-genuine software are infected with dangerous malware (Microsoft). As stated previously the impact to the software company is huge, take Liu for example, the codes he possessed would have potentially cost Microsoft almost $80 million in revenue. As for society, this is a global problem that is affecting everyone, the possibility is there that through piracy we can install something onto one device that then could give access to other devices we are connected to. Thus, giving others access to personnel information that we would not usually distribute. My wife’s debt cards number was hacked while a target once, he didn’t know till there was charges from France and Spain.
In reading the blog of Chris Luijten, he discusses the potential consequences for using pirated software. Over and above the potential loss of personal information to include banking passwords and other viruses being installed on your device. Luijten also discusses to punitive results, in the united states if caught using illegal software you face a fine of up to $250,000 and statutory damages of up to $150,000 per copyrighted work. There is a way to alleviate the possibility of finding yourself or your business in this situation, that is to ensure that you are only using legal and licensed software. Sold from the manufacturer or a licensed broker for the company.
References:
Meyer, D. (November 2, 2018) “Yes, Chinese piracy has lost Microsoft a lot of Windows revenue. But the story isn’t so simple”. Retrieved from: http://fortune.com/2018/11/02/ballmer-china-windows-piracy/
Department of Justice (DOJ) (September 19, 2017)” Chinese national pleads guilty to software piracy scheme”. Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/pr/chinese-national-pleads-guilty-software-piracy-scheme (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Microsoft Asia News Center (June 21, 2017) “NUS study: Cybercriminals exploit pirated software to fuel malware infections in Asia Pacific”. Retrieved from: https://news.microsoft.com/apac/2017/06/21/nus-study-cybercriminals-exploit-pirated-software-fuel-malware-infections-asia-pacific/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Luijten, C. (March 21, 2016) “The risk of using pirated software”. Retrieved from: https://www.itca.com/blog/the-risks-of-using-pirated-software (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.