Forty-four per cent of software installed on personal computers in Malta in 2013 was not properly licensed, according to a survey by BSA The Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) a leading advocate for the global software industry.

“Most people don’t know what is installed on their systems. That needs to change,” said BSA President & CEO Victoria Espinel. “There are common-sense steps managers and administrators can take to make sure their organizations are using genuine, properly licensed software.”

The BSA Global Software Survey is conducted every other year for BSA by IDC, which this year polled computer users in 34 markets including nearly 22,000 consumer and business PC users and more than 2,000 IT managers. Among the findings:

  • The rate at which PC software was installed without proper licensing in Malta was 44 percent in 2013, a one percentage point increase over 2011. The commercial value of that unlicensed software totalled 3.6 million euros.
  • The chief reason computer users around the world cite for not using unlicensed software is avoiding security threats from malware. Among the risks associated with unlicensed software, 64 percent of users globally cited unauthorized access by hackers as a top concern and 59 percent cited loss of data.
  • IT managers around the world express understandable concern that unlicensed software may cause harm, yet less than half say they are very confident that their company’s software is properly licensed.
  • Only 35 percent of companies globally have written policies in place requiring use of properly licensed software.

BSA in Malta is currently promoting awareness about the security risks associated with the use of unlicensed software and it will be seeking the collaboration of the Maltese Government in order to do so.

“Unlicensed software use is an organizational governance issue — and this study shows there is a clear need for improvement,” said Ms 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. These SAM programs can deliver substantial value by ensuring adequate controls are in place to provide a full view into what is installed on a network. That helps organizations avoid security and operational risks, and it ensures they have the right number of licenses for their users.”

The BSA Global Software Survey found that the global rate at which PC software was installed without proper licensing rose from 42 percent in 2011 to 43 percent in 2013 as emerging economies where unlicensed software use is most prevalent continued to account for a growing majority of all PCs in service.

www.bsa.org/globalstudy.

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