Microsoft recently introduced a new initiative, the Play It Safe campaign, to create awareness about piracy and educate users on the dangers of pirated software. Microsoft Nigeria, in a round-table discussion that had Emmanuel Onyeje – Country Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, Adefolu Majekodunmi – Microsoft, SMS&P Director, Rita Amuchienwa – HP Supplies Country Manager, Seyi Owolabi – Piracy dept., Multichoice, Gabriel Afolayan – Movie Actor from the Nigerian Entertainment Industry, and David Olaniyan – National Winner, 2011 Imagine Cup Competition on the panel.
Here are some findings:
For counterfeit software, did you know?
- 78% of Website/P2P network downloaded programs installed tracking cookies or spyware.
- 36% of Website/P2P network downloaded programs installed Trojans/dangerous adware.
- 28% of Website/P2P network downloaded programs had download system performance issues.
- 20% of CDs/DVDs installed malware
The total global supply of counterfeit software expected to be installed in 2013 will exceed 2 billion programs, more than triple the amount in 2006.
Consumer Findings: Did you know?
- 1 in 3 consumer PCs with counterfeits software installed will be infected with malware in 2013.
- Consumers will waste USD $22 billion and 1.5 billion hours dealing with security issues from counterfeit software in 2013.
- When consumers installed counterfeit software, top reported issues were:
- It slowed down my PC, had to uninstall (45%)
- It wouldn’t run, had to reinstall (34%)
- It overran my PC with popups (30%)
- It infected my PC with a virus (26%)
- According to consumers, the top three sources of pirated software are:
- Internet (Website/P2P network) 45%
- Street market (21%)
- Borrowed (16%)
Enterprise Findings: Did you know?
- 1 in 3 enterprise PCs with counterfeit Software installed will be infected with malware in 2013
- Enterprises will spend USD $114 billion dealing with security issues caused by pirated software in 2013. That spending accounts for 8% of IT labor costs.
- The potential costs to enterprises dealing with infected counterfeit software and data loss will amount to nearly USD $350 billion in 2013.
End User installed software findings:Did you know?
- 57% of customers/workers reported that they installed software onto work computers, but the software that they install can be problematic:
- 70% of respondents said that this self-installed software caused a problem
- 22% said the software they installed overran their PCs with Pop-ups
- 21% said the software they installed infected their PC with a virus.
With all the above findings, what will you like to say about counterfeit software? Kindly share with us in the comment box.
