Definition of Software Piracy - Business Software Alliance

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Software Piracy

Also Known As:
Unlicensed software use, Pirated software, Ripped software, Counterfeit software, Warez.

Description:
The illegal use and/or distribution of software protected under intellectual property laws. Software piracy may take many forms:

End-user piracy occurs when an individual or organization reproduces and/or uses unlicensed copies of software for its operations.
Client-server overuse occurs when the number of users connected to or accessing one server exceed the total number defined in the license agreement.
Counterfeiting is the illegal duplication of software with the intent of directly imitating the copyrighted product.
Hard-disk loading occurs when a computer hardware reseller loads unauthorized copies of software onto the machines it sells.
Online software theft occurs when individuals download unauthorized copies of software from the Internet.
License misuse occurs when software is distributed in channels outside those allowed by the license, or used in ways restricted by the license.

How to Recognize This Threat:
Pirated software is often peddled through spam email messages, bogus Web sites, auction sites, and storefront operations. Spam messages that offer computer software at unbelievably low prices are suspect. Compilations of software titles from different manufacturers, or software labeled "backup" copies, are a clear indication that the software is not legitimate. When the pirated software does not run properly, causes compatibility issues, and has no technical support or update capabilities, purchasers find to their dismay they have thrown their money down the drain.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is the standard computer language that allows computers to exchange files quickly and easily, including the uploading and downloading of software programs. FTP sites can contain enormous quantities of program files, along with other information. When exploited by software pirates, FTP sites facilitate the distribution of large volumes of copyrighted software programs.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) technology allows users to locate, share, and distribute information between workstations without connecting to a central server. Although P2P has many legitimate uses, it has been subject to abuse among pirates to become one of the more popular online methods used to share copyrighted materials illegally.

What Should I Do:
Purchase computer software from authorized dealers. If the online dealer seeking to sell you software isn't listed on that software manufacturer's Web site, then beware. Do your homework. Look for a feedback section on the site and look for comments on the seller based on previous transactions. Get the seller's address. That way, you can check the merchant's record with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) www.bbb.org. If you can't find a physical address, then be suspicious. Look for a trust mark from a reputable organization like the BBB. Keep receipts. Print a copy of your order number and sales confirmation and keep them. If a computer software deal looks too good to be true, it usually is.

Never download copyrighted material. This is against international law. Anyone participating is liable and can be charged in criminal and civil proceedings.

» Software Piracy and Fraud example 1

» Software Piracy and Fraud example 2

Adware
	Annoying pop-up and banner ads? System slowdowns? Your computer may be infected with Adware
Bots & Botnets
	Hackers use bot programs for theft, fraud, and denial-of-service attacks on Web sites
Browser Highjacking
	Malware used by hackers to direct your computer to their websites, regardless of the address you entered.
Cookies
	A Web page that welcomes you by name uses cookies
Counterfeit Products
	Businesses rely on what is called a digital signature to recognize their customers
Digital Signatures
	Businesses rely on what is called a digital signature to recognize their customers
Extortionware
	A software program that encrypts essential personal files - taking them hostage and demanding money for their safe return
Keylogger
	Hackers illegally use software keyloggers to identify their victims’ computer passwords, login names, bank account and credit card numbers
Malware
	Any software program developed for the purpose of doing harm to a computer system or to create mischief
Man-in-the-Middle Attack
	Cyber criminals eavesdrop on electronic communication between a consumer and a legitimate organization
Nigerian Scam
	Unsolicited email messages from a stranger who promises great wealth — a get-rich-quick scheme
P2P File Sharing
	Peer-to-peer file sharing is very popular on the Internet, but it can also lead to virus infections and a host of other problems
Pharming
	A technically sophisticated scam designed to trick individuals into disclosing sensitive information such as bank account, credit card, and Social Security numbers
Phishing
	Official looking and sounding messages that urge immediate action to update sensitive financial and identity information
SMishing
	Designed to trick you into divulging identity information, SMishing is Phishing over cell phones and other mobile devices.
Social Engineering Scams
	A scam that preys upon our acceptance of authority and willingness to cooperate with others
Social Networking Sites
	Never under any circumstances should your child or young teenager agree to meet in person someone from one of these sites
Software Piracy
	The illegal use and/or distribution of software protected under intellectual property laws
Spam
	The cyber equivalent to junk mail – spammers have developed many ways of obtaining email addresses
Spim
	Unsolicited product or service advertisements that appear as instant messages
Sping
	Spam from a fake blog tricking the unwary into visiting
Spit
	A spam campaign against VOIP voicemail
Splog
	A spam campaign directed against blogs
Spoofing
	A criminal pretends to be a business or organization in order to gain access to a computer user’s sensitive information such as bank account, credit card, or Social Security numbers
Spy-Phishing
	In a successful Spy-Phishing attack, a Trojan and/or Spyware is downloaded onto your computer from a Phishing message.
Stealth, Polymorphic, and Armored viruses
	These viruses hide, copy, or “armor” themselves in an attempt to avoid detection and removal from a computer.
Bots & Botnets
	Hackers use bot programs for theft, fraud, and denial-of-service attacks on Web sites
Trojan Horses
	Files or software programs that appear to be legitimate, but once installed can cause havoc
Viruses
	Malicious programs or codes inserted into computer systems without the user’s permission
Warez Sites
	Any site that hosts pirated software
Worms
	These malicious software programs spread automatically from computer to computer
Zombie Drones
	Personal computers secretly under the control of hackers

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