’Fake software can infect computers’

Experts warn against use of pirated software as it may help hackers

'Fake software can infect computers'

Experts warn against use of pirated software as it may help hackers

If cops are smart, the pirates are smarter. Maybe this is why within 10 days of the India launch of the much-awaited Microsoft operating system, Windows 7, the grey market is ready with its pirated version.

Interestingly, not only is the CD of the fake software selling on the streets at Nehru Place, Lakshmi Nagar and Palika Bazaar in Delhi, it is also just a click away on the Internet. The operating system was launched in India on October 22.

"The complete version of the Windows 7 software is available with us and it does not even require a key, which is a 16-character alphanumeric unique number that comes with the officially purchased version. The new features work as well in the counterfeit CD as in the original one," said a shop owner at Nehru Place, wishing anonymity.

Meanwhile, the unbelievably affordable rate of the pirated software is fuelling sales. The original price of Windows 7 Home Premium version is around Rs 6,500. The pirated version is priced between Rs 75 and 125.

"Why should I spend Rs 6,500 for the new operating system when I can download it free of cost through the Internet? Or I will buy it from the grey market at less than Rs 100. I don't care how much the company loses.

As a student the original rate does not fit my pocket," said Santosh Singh, a management student from south Delhi.

Piracy checks?

Interestingly, Microsoft has launched special packages like Microsoft Office Home and a cheaper version for students, the Student Edition, to discourage piracy in emerging markets like India. Although these may have helped to some extent, users are still lured by the fakes. And despite several police raids on grey markets to curb piracy, counterfeit CDs are easily available in the city.

Net links

Not only shops, users are downloading the software's pirated version from the Internet too. Experts say there are thousands of websites that provide links to pirated software and offer serial numbers for registering software illegally.

"These websites are so easy to access and the programmes so simple to download that even novice users are not confused," said cyber security expert Vivek Vohra.

But experts warn pirated software could infect computer systems. "The pirated software may hardly cost
Rs 100 and work exactly like the original, but in the long run it may help hackers download malwares and virus into the computer. This will help hackers to command the infected system," said Vohra.

Beware!
A latest survey published by the Business Software Alliance (BSA), IDG and KPMG point out that piracy is highest in developing nations and there is a direct correlation between piracy and malware infection. The monetary value of unlicensed software, i.e. the loss incurred by manufacturers, was pegged at US $50.2 billion for 2008.
Pirated software outstrips free software, since the cost advantage is negated. And while India isn't one of the top 25 offenders, losses are enough to hamper business.

The Other Side
A Microsoft India spokesperson cautioned customers against buying pirated software. 'The battle against piracy is an on-going one. A recent report by KPMG (one of the largest professional services firms in the world) states at least 60 per cent pirated software comes with malware,' the spokesperson said.

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