Pirated software to cost consumers and businesses dearly - Indian Express

Consumers will spend 1.5 billion hours and USD 22 billion identifying, repairing and recovering from the impact of malicious software, while global enterprises will spend a whopping USD 114 billion to deal with the impact of a malware-induced cyber-attack, a new study says. Although some computer users may actively seek pirated software in hopes of saving money, the chances of infection by unexpected malware are one in three for consumers and three in 10 for businesses, the study commissioned by Microsoft Corp. and conducted by IDC has revealed. The global study analysed 270 websites and peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, 108 software downloads, and 155 CDs or DVDs, and interviewed 2,077 consumers and 258 IT managers or chief information officers in Brazil, China, Germany, India, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States. Researchers found that of counterfeit software that does not come with the computer, 45 per cent comes from the Internet, and 78 per cent of this software downloaded from websites or P2P networks included some type of spyware. 36 per cent contained Trojans and adware. "In Lebanon, the rate of pirated software stands at 71 per cent, compared to 50 per cent in Qatar and 42 per cent worldwide, according to the latest BSA Global Piracy study," said Valerie Bassil, Anti-Piracy Manager, Microsoft Lebanon. "Consumers risk money, time and the loss of personal data when they use pirated software, while for businesses the losses can be immeasurable; trade secrets, business, critical data and corporate reputations are all on the line," Bassilsaid. ... contd. Tags: Pirated software, malicious software, Cyber attacks, workplace ecosystem, infotech news Previous Story Review: Saare Jahaan Se Mehenga Next Story Nanoparticles loaded with bee venom can kill HIV Reader's Comments | Post a comment via Technology - Google News http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHXAK7mnHNiXx1iRY649k4hxdtNfg&url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pirated-software-to-cost-consumers-and-businesses-dearly/1085098/

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