The BSA or Business Software Alliance has actioned 12 cases in 2014 where illegal software with an estimated value of $825,000 was found, while ‘urging businesses to undertake regular software audits as reports of cybercrime ramp up.’

The alliance says Australians ‘remained vigilant in reporting illegal software use in business’, with cases reported in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and WA.

Almost three-quarters of cases settled originated in Victoria, which the BSA reports is ‘a significant increase from 2013 with Victoria and New South Wales registering 39% and 38% of settlements respectively.’

Architects and designers accounted for nearly one-third of settlements at 27%, while the engineering sector was close behind at 20%, with the remaining settlements ‘spread across a variety of industries including manufacturing, real estate, IT, recruitment and sales/distribution.’

Last year, the BSA’s ‘Global Software Study’ revealed that computer users cited the risk of security threats from malware as the top reason not to use unlicensed software.

With ACORN or the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network recently disclosing that Australians were reporting over 500 cybercrimes every week, the BSA says it is ‘now calling on businesses to ensure their software is properly licensed as a key step towards protecting their intellectual property and business processes.’

SOURCE: itwire.com