About 43 per cent of the software installed on personal computers around the world last year lacked properly licences. — Photo genk.vn

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — About 43 per cent of the software installed on personal computers around the world last year lacked properly licences, an increase of one percentage point compared with 2011, according to a survey by BSA – the Software Alliance.

The BSA Global Software Survey said this year's rate is equal to the previous high set in 2009, as emerging economies, where unlicensed software use is most prevalent, continue to account for a growing majority of all private computers in use.

The value of the unlicensed software slipped marginally to US$62.7 billion.

The survey also found that only 35 per cent of companies have policies requiring them to use properly licensed software.

In addition, there was a significant awareness gap between workers and information technology mangers when it comes to software policies at enterprises.

"Workers are less likely then mangers to say there is a formal policy in place," BSA found.

Legal software users wanted to avoid security threats from malware.

Among the security risks associated with unlicensed software, 64 per cent of users cited unauthorised access by hackers as a top concern and 59 per cent cited loss of data.

In Viet Nam, the survey said 81 per cent of software installed on personal computers in 2013 was not properly licensed, the same level as in 2011. The value of the unlicensed software totaled $620 million.

"With a significant 9 percentage point increase in the consumer share of the private computer hardware installed base and a growth of 10 percentage points in White Box share of private computer shipments, there is upward pressure on the rate of unlicensed software," Dao Anh Tuan, BSA representative in Viet Nam, said.

But he appreciated the Government's efforts, saying: "The positive efforts made by concerned Government agencies in general, especially the members of the Partnership in Protection of Software Copyright, to address the use of illegitimate software in the business sector has kept the overall rate in check.

"Over the past few years, the Government's efforts in combating unlicensed software have been commendable.

"The legal system is now strong enough to handle software copyright infringement cases.

"This survey has been useful in helping us understand that computer users around the globe have major concerns over security threats. The continue use of unlicensed software is a significant threat to the economy and future of this country and needs to be adequately addressed."

The BSA Global Software Survey is conducted every two years for BSA by International Data Corporation (IDC).

This year it was done in 34 markets polling nearly 22,000 private and business users and more than 2,000 IT managers. — VNS