Call it a classic example of knowledge-behavior disconnect: computer users around the world cite the risk of security threats from malware as the top reason not to use unlicensed software, with intrusions by hackers and loss of data the top concern. Yet a striking 43% of the software installed on personal computers globally in 2013 was not properly licensed.
The findings, from the BSA Global Software Survey, underscore the need for effective software management practices, especially in business settings.
“Most people don’t know what is installed on their systems. That needs to change,” said BSA president and CEO Victoria Espinel. “There are common-sense steps managers and administrators can take to make sure their organizations are using genuine, properly licensed software.”
Among the risks associated with unlicensed software, 64% of users cited unauthorized access by hackers as a top concern and 59% cited loss of data. But while IT managers express understandable concern that unlicensed software may cause harm, less than half say they are very confident that their company’s software is properly licensed.
“Unlicensed software use is an organizational governance issue — and this study shows there is a clear need for improvement,” said Espinel. “There are basic steps any company can take to ensure it is fully compliant, like establishing a formal policy on licensed software use and maintaining careful records. Companies also should consider implementing more robust software asset management programs that follow internationally accepted guidelines.”
The global rate at which PC software was installed without proper licensing rose from 42% in 2011 to 43% in 2013 as emerging economies where unlicensed software use is most prevalent continued to account for a growing majority of all PCs in service. In all, the commercial value of unlicensed PC software installations totaled $62.7 billion globally in 2013.
Accordingly, the region with the highest overall rate of unlicensed PC software installations in 2013 was Asia-Pacific, at 62%. This represented a two percentage-point increase from 2011, with the commercial value of unlicensed installations reaching $21 billion. Central and Eastern Europe had the next-highest rate of unlicensed software installations at 61%, followed by Latin America at 59% and the Middle East and Africa, also at 59%.
But the problem does not just exist in emerging markets. North America continues to have the lowest regional rate of unlicensed software installations, but it’s still at 19% – a significant commercial value of nearly $10.9 billion. In Western Europe, the rate dropped three points to 29% in 2013 with a commercial value of $12.8 billion.