There are plenty of ways to cut costs and save money in business today, and using pirated software is a startlingly popular one.
Illegal software could end up costing more than it is worth. You might be surprised at the number of small business owners who consider this short-cut, but we suggest you think twice.
The most pirated software is said to be Windows OS (XP, 7, 10) followed by Microsoft Office and many of the Adobe products. Some business owners even use unlicensed security software, which is mind-blowing.
There are other ways to save money.
Who will you call when something goes wrong with the software? Illegal software, of course, is unsupported, so troubleshooting might be an adventure. Not only that, but business owners are leaving themselves vulnerable to cyberattack.
Malware is specifically designed to disrupt, damage or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. Cybercriminals use it to compromise or steal internal data, and the malware can spread to your entire network.
So, if Sally cuts costs at her spa by using pirated CRM software, she risks exposing her sensitive data and her clients’ personal information to criminals. It’s one thing to clean that mess up, but data breaches caused by pirated software can lead to lawsuits and other unpleasantness.
Our best advice is to legally purchase software from a company you trust. The cost of the support alone can justify the price tag on your next project management tool or operating system.
We also recommend consistent cybersecurity training for your employees because education often saves money in the long run.
We’ve created some secure and legal software solutions for businesses in Victoria and we’d love to help you, too, so please get in touch!
Ian Robertson
