Sometime back I came across an app that was the exact copy of Ne***x with all the latest shows, documentaries and movies available on it (and that too in HD!). What surprised me the most is that the app didn’t have any name whatsoever, but was a cloned version of the popular movie and TV shows streaming app. I fell into the tempting trap of software piracy as I was equally guilty of using pirated software (even for a brief moment). But after imagining the amount of loss that the company will be incurring, my consciousness kicked in and my brain got back into the track (which was sidetracked previously) so, guess what? I ended up buying the licensed version instead.

I believe this is not only me, it also happens with everyone right? You might also have come across pirated version of software and app that pull you into the maze with promises that you won’t have to spend money on original software when you can enjoy it for free. Some of you might already have developed the habit of using pirated software for different purposes including music, games, movies, office productivity software etc.

Today, software has become an easy target for online pirates who reproduce the original software and illegally distribute it across different channels, internet being the most common one. This is the reason why you must know about software piracy and get rid of it completely as it can land you in prison also (thankfully, I didn’t). This article highlights crucial aspects of software piracy that you’ve been ignoring all this time.

What Is Software Piracy?

You might be wondering I have mentioned software piracy so many times without actually explaining it, so let’s jump straight to the definition then. Software piracy means unauthorized reproduction and illegal distribution of software, whether for business or personal use. In simple terms, software piracy is illegal stealing, copying, distributing, modifying and selling of software that is legally protected. Software piracy is perceived direct copyright infringement when copyright holders are denied of compensation for their creative works. Software pirates need not be hackers or skilled coders, as any normal person with a computer can become a software pirate if they aren’t aware of software laws.

Examples of Software Piracy

All software comes with a license agreement that states the terms and conditions under which that software may be used legally. When you agree to these terms and conditions, you are helping the software companies earn revenue. But when you are using pirated versions of software, you are depriving them of their earnings. Here are some example of software piracy that will help you understand the danger it possesses-

• Using torrent websites to watch newly released movies and TV shows.
• Providing a copy of pirated software to your friends and family.
• Stealing original software to copy and distribute.
• Using pirated Microsoft office.
• Using Mac OS on non-Mac hardware.
• Using unlicensed duplicate software or app.
• Installing a copy of windows in computers rather than using an authentic one.

Why Software Piracy Is Considered Bad and Dangerous?

Using pirated software is a risky affair for users and organizations too. Therefore, it is always suggested to use licensed software to avoid legal consequences. Using a pirated software–

• Increases the chances of software crashing, not functioning properly or fail to function completely;
• Result in losing access to customer support, bug fixes, upgrades and other features;
• Increase the risk of exposure to virus or corruption that can harm your data;
• Are subjected to copyright fines for copyright infringement;
• Threats public image of an organization or that of an individual and;
• Increases the chance of software being an outdated version.

Types of Software Piracies

Piracy trap is something that is not that difficult to fall into. Since billions of people access internet services regularly, they aren’t usually aware of what’s happening in the software world i.e. whether the software they are downloading from an unauthorized source is legit or not. Pirates also have become sharp these days and are deploying practices that confuse users about the originality of software. Here are different types of software piracy techniques used by software pirates to fool users:

1. Softlifting: Also called softloading, Softlifting means buying a single licensed copy of the software and loading it onto several computers violating its license terms. For example: borrowing/sharing software from/with your friends.
2. Hard-disc loading: Means installing unauthorized copies of software onto computer hard disks only to resell the product as a new computer or refurbished one.
3. Renting: Corresponds to unauthorized selling or viewing of software temporarily. A classic example would be watching movies on random websites (illegally) for free.
4. Software counterfeiting: Cloning or duplicating and selling copyrighted software that appears like an authentic one. Such software is usually sold at a discounted price.
5. Uploading and downloading: Making copies of copyrighted software available to internet users. For example: uploading/downloading newly released movies to/from torrent websites.
6. OEM unbundling: Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) software is sold legally with specific hardware. When these programs are copied and sold separately, it violates the contract between the vendor and the software publisher. For example: providing drivers to a specific printer without authorization.
7. CD-R piracy: Refers to the illegal copying of software using CD-R recording technology. For example- obtaining a copy of pirated software and making copies of the same to sell or re-distribute to someone.
8. Client access infringement: Means allowing the client to access software on an organization’s network server freely in violation of license agreement.
9. Online piracy: Also known as internet piracy, this type of software piracy is concerned with downloading illegal software from peer-to-peer network, blog, or any other means of the internet. Websites providing feature of unlimited downloading (unauthorized software, app and resources) to the end-users are a classic example of online piracy.

How to Control Software Piracy?

We, humans, are experts in finding loopholes in everything that seems hard to get. High prices of essential software can naturally divert your mind to other ways to get the software. This is the chief reason why we easily surrender to the software pirates lurking all over the internet and beyond looking for prey. Controlling software piracy should be a collective effort of both end-users and that of organizations.

Keeping the ills of software piracy in mind, software companies should-

1. Make a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) compulsory to sign so that no one can leak the software to outsiders without legally purchasing it.
2. Build software inventory and regularly monitor the IP address, product version, serial number, and log files to obtain information on the individual or organization illegally using the software.
3. Constantly upgrade software so that hackers won’t be able to hack and sell it.
4. Use software as a service solution to validate its identity.

To prevent software theft, end users can help companies by purchasing authentic software instead of opting for alternative routes (where they need not pay to get that software). These are some of the ways through which we can control software piracy to some extent.

Software piracy spares no one. It not only hurt an organization’s image and nation’s economy in general, but exposes end-users to online frauds, attacks and not to forget legal consequences. Hence, it’s imperative to raise awareness on software piracy issue before it traps us all and make things worse.