Counterfeit software security lost on many

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Almost a third of consumers do not believe genuine software is more secure than counterfeit products, research has shown.

Of the 38,000 adults surveyed by Microsoft from 20 countries around the globe, just half raised concerns about data loss or identity theft related to using counterfeit software.

Over a quarter said they would not necessarily choose genuine software if they were given the choice.

Although Microsoft believed its survey results indicated a positive sign that consumer awareness of counterfeit software was high, the figures indicated many remained unperturbed by the issues at hand.

Nevertheless, the majority of respondents called on both governments and the software industry at large to help curb the problem.

Almost two-thirds of respondents urged governments to act, while 72 per cent said the software industry should be doing more.

“The results of this survey show that there is still a significant need for the software industry and government to educate consumers about counterfeit software,” said Jodie Kelley, general counsel and vice president of the anti-piracy at the Business Software Alliance.

“Consumers don’t want counterfeit software. They know it’s harmful, and in fact it’s hurting people everywhere. But they need the tools and the knowledge to keep themselves safe from those risks.”

Microsoft itself said it was doing much to help stem the proliferation of counterfeit software, focusing on the “three Es” of education, engineering and enforcement. It also offered a Windows validation test to help users check if their software was real or not.

Not only is there plenty of counterfeit software going around, there has been a significant spike in fake anti-virus this year as well.

Panda Security figures released today showed 40 per cent of all fake anti-virus was created in 2010.

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