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2013 Global Software Survey Produces Shocking Unlicensed Software Statistics

By Cristina Naldini, Contributing Writer

Eighty-one percent of software installed on PCs in Nigeria  last year was not licensed, according to the 2013 Global Software Survey released by BSA | The Software Alliance (BSA). The study cited the commercial value of unlicensed software in Nigeria reached more than $287 million in 2013. Overall, the Middle East and Africa unlicensed software value surpassed $4.3 billion in 2013.

Based on survey responses, risk of security threats from malware was the main reason not to use unlicensed software. It’s no surprise users fear security breaches, but what’s shocking is only 35 percent of companies in the enterprise have written policies in place requiring use of properly licensed software. 

“The study clearly shows how much work still has to be done,” said Marius Haman, Corporate Attorney, Digital Crimes Unit at Microsoft (News - Alert), one of BSA’s member companies. “Reducing unlicensed software use will help to stimulate Nigeria’s economy, enhance businesses productivity and better avoid security risks. Security is especially important in light of the growing threat of cybercrime.”

Worldwide, unlicensed software use continues to be a major problem with 43 percent of the software installed on PCs around the world unlicensed or not properly licensed. Budding markets now make up 56 percent of all PCs in use globally and nearly 75 percent of all unlicensed software installations. The inclination to install improperly licensed software is not showing any signs of slowing down, either.

Another alarming trend revealed in the study is the considerable gap between workers’ and IT managers’ awareness of their own company’s software policies. 42 percent of workers say their companies either do not have a policy on licensed software use or they don’t know, while 86 percent of IT managers claim that their companies have either a written policy or an informal one. Expectedly, less than half of IT managers surveyed are confident that their company's software is properly licensed.

"Most people don't know what is installed on their systems. That needs to change," said BSA President and CEO Victoria Espinel. "There are common-sense steps managers and administrators can take to make sure their organizations are using genuine, properly licensed software."

Accidental piracy is also a problem for many Nigerian businesses. “Local law enforcement is taking action to tackle unscrupulous resellers and computer shops. An effective partnership between the public and private sector is crucial to reducing unlicensed software use in Nigeria.” said Haman. As Piraters continue to become increasingly sophisticated in manufacturing and presenting counterfeit software, business owners and PC users need to be cautious when it comes to software installation.

Although there is an ongoing shift occurring in the delivery of software functionality to the cloud, it is not likely to lower the rate of unlicensed software installations anytime soon. According to the survey, 52 percent of respondents said they shared log-in credentials, up from 42 percent in 2011.