Essential work software programs can get expensive, so many entrepreneurs turn to pirated versions to get them without the price tag. And while this may seem like a good solution at the time, it can have serious consequences later on. Investing in the software products you need with the help of an IT services provider in Austin will bring you better results in the long run. Here are some of the key dangers of pirated software programs you need to be aware of:
They Don’t Work Effectively
The biggest reason to avoid pirated software programs is simply because they don’t work as well as the real thing. When you rely on your software programs to get work done, you need something you can count on, not a program that’s going to freeze or give you ineffective results. You also can’t update pirated software programs, and your IT services in Austin aren’t going to be able to manage them effectively either.
They Could Lead to Legal Issues
If you get caught using illegal software, it’s going to result in serious legal consequences for your company. Breaking copyright laws can result in huge fines that are detrimental to small businesses. Additionally, you may need to hire legal representation, which can result in even more unwanted costs. Not only will you lose money, but this can also tarnish your company’s reputation.
They Often Contain Malware and Viruses
Downloading any sort of pirated material can actually be incredibly dangerous for your company. A large number of pirated software programs contain malware and viruses that could damage your systems and lead to irreparable data loss. Even if your pirated program doesn’t initially have these issues, it might not have the security feature that the legitimate program would have, which can leave you very vulnerable to these problems. It’s very difficult to tell if a pirated software program is going to have these problems, so it’s not worth taking the risk.
Ultimately, the potential costs of downloading pirated software are far higher than paying for the software outright. Working with an IT services provider in Austin can help you find the commercial software programs you need to do your job at a price that’s within your budget. Contigo Technology is an Austin-based IT company that provides services to companies in a variety of industries. Contact us now to learn more about our services and how we can help you manage technology at your company.