New Study by BSA Reveals Security Threats from Malware is Top Concern

Informationweek.in reported on 25th June, 2014 stating that computer users do not use unlicensed software because of security threats from malicious software and intrusions by scammers resulting loss of data but even then 60% of the software installed on PCs in India was found unlicensed in 2013.

BSA Global Software Survey released recently revealed that these and additional findings made by it emphasize the necessity for practices of effective software management particularly in business houses.

Informationweek.in published news on 25th June, 2014 quoting Vipin Aggarwal, Chairman of BSA India Committee, as saying "We have often observed that companies are not even aware that they are employing software that's unlicensed. With licensing of software becoming increasingly intricate, compounded by fast-paced adoption of cloud and abundance of devices through BYOD [bring your own device], enterprises need a new approach in the way they manage licenses."

Eweek.com published news on 25th June, 2014 quoting a comment of Victoria Espinel, President and CEO of BSA, as "Most people don't know what is installed on their system which needs to change. It's a common-sense that managers and administrators of the organizations must take appropriate steps to ensure installation of genuine licensed software.

64% of users cited illegal access by cybercriminals and 59% of users cited loss of data as a top concern while using unlicensed software. IT managers believe and confirm that unlicensed softwares cause harm, less than half admit they are extremely confident that their enterprise's software is accurately licensed.

Infosecurity-magazine.com published news on 25th June, 2014 quoting Espinel as saying that installation of unlicensed software is an organizational governance concern and this study highlights the clear requirement for improvement in this. He concluded that there are some basic steps which companies should take to ensure implementation of an official policy on the usage of licensed software and maintaining records carefully and also implement more tough software asset management programs which pursue guidelines accepted internationally.

IDC (International Data Corporation) conducts BSA Global Software Survey on a yearly basis. This year it surveyed computer users of 34 markets that included approximately 22,000 consumer and business PC users and over 2,000 IT managers.

» SPAMfighter News - 7/4/2014