Increased reward to drive awareness of cybersecurity risks posed by use of unlicensed software
The Software Alliance (BSA) has announced the increase of its cash reward to up to AU$20,000 for qualified leads of Australian businesses using unlicensed software.
BSA is offering up to $20,000 to eligible recipients who disclose accurate information regarding unlawful copying or use of BSA members’ software. Potential recipients must provide assistance and evidence to support the information, as may be required by the BSA’s legal advisers, in connection with any claim or legal proceedings initiated by the BSA members. For the full terms and conditions, please click here. Reports on corporate users of unlicensed software can be lodged at www.bsa.org, ‘Report Piracy’.
In 2015 a study conducted by global research firm IDC found that the higher the unlicensed software rate in a country, the more malware generally encountered on PCs in that country. The implication for governments, enterprises and end users is clear: eliminating unlicensed software on their networks could help reduce the risk of cybersecurity incidents.
“With the influx of personal devices into the workplace, security risks and business vulnerabilities in terms of securing critical systems are continuing to increase.” said Roland Chan, Senior Director, Compliance Programs – Asia-Pacific.
According to a recent study by the Australian Cyber-Security Centre, 56 percent of organisations increased expenditure on security in the last 12 months, however, more than 50 percent of respondents had experienced a cyber-attack in the last year. With Australia being targeted by cyber attackers, the BSA is urging local businesses to ensure their software is properly licensed as a crucial first step towards securing intellectual property and business processes.
“BSA will continue to raise awareness around the benefits businesses will see through introducing a robust SAM practice, ultimately helping business to avoid financial, legal and security risks.” said Mr. Chan.
“With cybercrime rising in Australia, it’s now more crucial than ever for organisations to introduce a formal policy on licensed software use to create the best possible security to protect them from infringement and cyber-theft.”
The BSA remains committed to its role in raising awareness of the risks to businesses when using unlicensed software and the damaging effects that software piracy has on the Australian IT industry.
For more information on the state of software piracy in Australia, the BSA or BSA’s Software Asset Management Program: www.bsa.org
About BSA
BSA | The Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) is the leading advocate for the global software industry before governments and in the international marketplace. Its members are among the world’s most innovative companies, creating software solutions that spark the economy and improve modern life. With headquarters in Washington, DC, and operations in more than 60 countries, BSA pioneers compliance programs that promote legal software use and advocates for public policies that foster technology innovation and drive growth in the digital economy.
