Microsoft warns of business losses from use of counterfeit software

 A new study by Microsoft has shown that huge finances losses can accrue to businesses or individuals that use pirated software in a bid to save money.

According to the Microsoft Corporation study conducted by IDC, the chances of infection for computer users using pirated software in hopes of saving money is three in 10 for businesses.

“Huge amount of money would therefore be spent in repairing and recovering from the impact of the malware. This global study showed that counterfeiters are able to tamper with the software code of users of the counterfeited software and lace it with malware.”

David Finn, associate general counsel in the Microsoft Cybercrime Center said, “Some of this malware records a person’s every keystroke, allowing cybercriminals to steal a victim’s personal and financial information — or remotely switches on an infected computer’s microphone and video camera, giving cybercriminals eyes and ears in boardrooms and living rooms. The best way to secure yourself and your property from these malware threats when you buy a computer is to demand genuine software.”

Also at a roundtable discourse held in commemoration of Microsoft “Play it Safe” day in Lagos, Nigeria, Seyi Owolabi who represented Gozie Onumonu, head of Piracy Multichoice said “Pirates are in every industry and this can constitute a clog in the wheel of the organisation.”

Speaking on piracy in the Nigerian terrain, he said, “Enforcement is very weak and procedures very slow whilst the judiciary system is another challenge, as most of them are not aware of what piracy is all about”.

The IDC white paper also revealed that 57 percent of workers admit they install personal software onto employer-owned computers. IDC notes with alarm that only 30 percent of the software installed by employees on their workplace computers was problem-free.

OLUYINKA ALAWODE