Non-genuine software under scanner

DQW Bureau

09 Sep 2009 00:00 IST

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KPMG conducted a study titled 'An Inconvenient Reality-The unaccounted
consequences of non-genuine software usage.'

As part of the research conducted for the report, KPMG reviewed 50 websites
offering non-genuine software and/or enablers for non-genuine software usage.
The study revealed that more than 60 percent of these websites include a varying
degree of threat vectors that can potentially impact inforÂmation systems
security.

Security implications

39 percent organizations surveyed reported security incident of non-
genuine software detection in their IT environment
Companies using non-genuine software are 43 percent more likely to
have critical systems failure
35 percent organizations cited 'readily available' as the reason for
employees to use non-genuine software
Most common method of accessing non-genuine software is through the
Internet
60 percent websites providing cracks, keygens, warez or counterfeits
have potential threat vectors
Correlation coefficient between software piracy rates and malware
attacks is a strong 0.74

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Speaking on the release of this report, Akhilesh Tuteja, Executive
Director-IT Advisory Services, KPMG India said, “The objective of this white
paper is to sensitize readers to the various security implications associated
with usage of non-genuine software. We intend to highlight the results of our
research and potential information security consequences of non-genuine software
usage.”

The research performed during the development of this paper observed that
usage of non-genuine software can now be considered a significant vector in
weakening the security posture at micro and macro economic levels.

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