Kolymbari SA Case Study
28 December 2023
6 ERP functions
7 June 2024
Using pirated Microsoft software poses risks to the security of your data. It may be tempting, but if you understand the potential consequences and the significant benefits of using the original software, you are sure to prefer the official solution.
Risks of using pirated Microsoft software
- Data loss. The use of inauthentic software makes corporate data vulnerable to attacks like Crypto Locker. The costs to repair the damage to computers would be a significant burden on the business.
- Disruption to the operation of the business. This loss of sensitive business data will cause problems as the business processes rely on its use. This will significantly reduce productivity and therefore the company’s profits. The same will happen in case of technical problems, as illegal use excludes the provision of technical support to address them.
- Financial losses. The leakage of the company’s banking data may result in the loss of a significant part of the company’s deposits.
- Identity theft. Another possible scenario is that your personal and bank details are stolen, which can be used to commit crimes and to steal your deposits.
- Exorbitant fines. Under Greek law, the competent state authorities that detect pirated software on computers will impose an administrative fine of €1,000 for each illegal program.
Genuine Microsoft software: 3 main advantages
- New features. The official versions constantly offer new upgrades, with advanced features that increase the company’s agelessness. For example, owners of the original applications now have the ability to work on a file at the same time as their colleague, saving time from sending the document multiple times for review and correction. Another important addition is the use of artificial intelligence, which enhances the company’s operations, helping with content writing, design and data analysis.
- Support. Companies that choose to obtain the original applications through a Microsoft Certified Partner have immediate technical support available for any problems that arise during the use of the software. Obviously this is not the case with pirate use, increasing the likelihood of the risks mentioned above. In addition, the illegal operating system makes it impossible for third-party applications such as the company’s ERP software to function properly and be supported.
- Security. The use of official software guarantees the security of your computers and data. Microsoft, with its strong infrastructure and continuous updates, offers high protection against malicious attacks. Thus, you avoid these risks and benefit from increased productivity. It makes no sense to invest in security technologies (such as antivirus and firewalls) having the biggest threat open, which is the illegal operating system and office suites.
How to Obtain Authentic Microsoft Apps
Buying genuine Microsoft software can sometimes be a difficult task. On the internet there are dozens of websites and online shops that offer “genuine” licenses at a very low price (sometimes even 5€ per license). Obviously these licenses are pirated or come from old computers and cannot be reused.
But even choosing the right type of licence is complex. For example, many people think that by buying a Microsoft 365 license they can install it on 5 PCs of different users. This is illegal, as this license is reserved for the same user’s devices.
For all of the above reasons, it is important to contact an authorized Microsoft partner (such as Verus+) to help you choose the right combination.
Contact us and get the original Microsoft applications.
