Microsoft: one in eight workers use pirated software

Vendor research shows 57 per cent of UK workers think employers would approve pirated software use

Some 62 per cent of respondents said they had suffered a computer virus as a result of using pirated software

UK employees are risking identity theft and computer viruses through the use of pirated software in the workplace, research claims.

According to the findings of Microsoft’s Attitudes to Piracy report, one in eight people admitted to using pirated software at work and 57 per cent believed their boss would consider the practice acceptable.

Julian Swan, director of compliance marketing at anti-piracy body the Business Software Alliance, said: “Businesses have many excuses for not managing software effectively, with cost cutting, ignorance and changes in IT personnel often cited during legal action.

“But the cost of being found using unlicensed software far outweighs any perceived savings.”

In the report, which features contributions from 1,000 respondents, two thirds admitted they had a poor understanding of the risks associated with using pirated software.

Despite this, 62 per cent said they had suffered a computer virus as a result of using pirated software, and 31 per cent said they had lost personal data.

Susie Winter, director general at the Alliance Against IP Theft, said: “People need to understand that there are inherent risks to their own security, including identity theft, from using pirated software products.

“They can often be the victims of others’ criminal actions, such as an employer using pirated software in the workplace.”