Lagos, Nigeria — Mar. 6, 2013 — 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, according to a new study commissioned by Microsoft Corp. and conducted by IDC. As a result of these infections, the research shows that consumers will spend 1.5 billion hours and $22 billion identifying, repairing and recovering from the impact of malware, while global enterprises will spend $114 billion to deal with the impact of a malware-induced cyber attack.
The global study analyzed 270 websites and peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, 108 software downloads, and 155 CDs or DVDs, and it 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 percent comes from the Internet, and 78 percent of this software downloaded from websites or P2P networks included some type of spyware, while 36 percent contained Trojans and adware.
“The cybercrime reality is that counterfeiters are tampering with the software code and lacing it with malware,” said David Finn, associate general counsel in the Microsoft Cybercrime Center. “Some of this malware records a person’s every keystroke — allowing cybercriminals to steal a victim’s personal and financial information — or remotely switches on an infected computer’s microphone and video camera, giving cybercriminals eyes and ears in boardrooms and living rooms. The best way to secure yourself and your property from these malware threats when you buy a computer is to demand genuine software.”
The IDC study, titled “The Dangerous World of Counterfeit and Pirated Software,” was released today as part of Microsoft’s “Play It Safe” campaign, a global initiative to bring awareness to issues related to software piracy.
“Our research is unequivocal: Inherent dangers lurk for consumers and businesses that take a chance on counterfeit software,” said John Gantz, chief researcher at IDC. “Some people choose counterfeit to save money, but this ‘ride-along’ malware ends up putting a financial and emotional strain on both the enterprise and casual computer users alike.”
The following are among the highlights from the consumer survey:
· Sixty-four percent of the people respondents knew who had used counterfeit software experienced security issues.
· Forty-five percent of the time, counterfeit software slowed their PCs, and the software had to be uninstalled
· Forty-eight percent of respondents noted that their greatest concern with using counterfeit software was data loss
· Twenty-nine percent were most concerned with identity theft
Embedding counterfeit software with dangerous malware is a new method for criminals to prey on computer users who are unaware of the potential danger.
At a roundtable discourse held in commemoration of Microsoft “Play it Safe” day in Lagos, Nigeria, Mr. Seyi Owolabi who represented Gozie Onumonu, Head of Piracy Multichoice said “Pirates are in every industry and this can constitute a clog in the wheel of the organization. In 2004 Multichoice had over 5,000 subscribers on their platform in Onitsha, but as at now it is less than 500 subscribers and this can be attributed to the activities of Pirates”.
Speaking on piracy in the Nigerian terrain, he said, “Enforcement is very weak and procedures very slow whilst the judiciary system is another challenge, as most of them are not aware of what piracy is all about”.
The IDC white paper also explored the surprising level of end-user software installations made on corporate computers, exposing another method for the introduction of unsecure software into the workplace ecosystem. Although 38 percent of IT managers acknowledge that it happens, 57 percent of workers admit they install personal software onto employer-owned computers. What is alarming is that respondents told IDC that only 30 percent of the software they installed on their work computers was problem-free. Sixty-five percent of IT managers agree that user-installed software increases an organization’s security risks. For many in the enterprise, user-installed software may be a blind spot in ensuring a secure network.
In the same vein, Actor/Musician Gabriel Afolayan explained that piracy thrives on poor market network and distribution, and added that making it affordable and available is key. “As a stakeholder in the Nigerian movie Industry, we will do our own part to make it affordable and available to consumers”.
Other panelists at the roundtable included Adefolu Majekodunmi, Microsoft SMS & P Director, Rita Amuchienwa, HP West Africa Supplies Country Manager and David Olaniyan, CEO, Infinitude Tech. The Nigerian media was also well represented at the event.
