VietNamNet Bridge – The Software Alliance, a leading advocate for the global software industry, last week released its latest survey on the security threats posed by illegal software use.

The survey found that computer users cite the risk of security threats from malware as the top reason for not using unlicensed software.

Among the risks associated with unlicensed software, 64 per cent of global users cited unauthorised access by hackers as a top concern and 59 percent cited loss of data.

Yet a striking 81 per cent of the software installed on personal computers in Vietnam in 2013 was not properly licensed, a level unchanged since 2011, with the commercial value of unlicensed software totalling $620 million. These and other findings in the Software Alliance (BSA) survey underscore the need for effective software management practices, especially in business settings.

“Unlicensed software use is an organisational governance issue — and this study shows there is a clear need for improvement,” said BSA president and CEO Victoria 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 should also consider implementing more robust software asset management programmes that follow internationally-accepted guidelines which can deliver substantial value by ensuring adequate controls are in place,” she stressed.

The survey, conducted every other year for BSA by the International Data Corporation (IDC), this year polled computer users in 34 markets including nearly 22,000 consumer and business PC users and more than 2,000 IT managers.

Dao Anh Tuan, BSA representative in Vietnam, said “Over the past few years, government efforts in combating unlicensed software have been commendable. The legal system is now strong enough to handle software copyright infringement cases.”

“This survey has been useful in helping us understand that computer users around the globe have major concerns over security threats. The continued use of unlicensed software is a significant threat to the economy and future of this country, and needs to be adequately addressed,” Tuan added.

By the end of 2013, within the five year period, inspectors had successfully audited 338 enterprises, checked 14,562 computers, and issued penalties to the value of VND3.5 billion ($170,000), according to Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism deputy chief inspector Tran Van Minh.

VIR/VNN