Let the first one who is free from sin cast the first stone. Virtually all of us have used a pirated program or game at some point. To have Word, an Adobe program, or a game on the console. But what implications does this have today? Is it worth the risk? In a time when cyber attacks are the order of the day, you are going to discover if it is still a good idea to have pirated copies of the original programs that you want to use.
Pirated copies of programs have been widely used in the past decade, but today, the most normal thing is that things have changed. With greater sophistication in both security and the art of digital deception, it may be too risky to continue using pirated programs on our PC. Or not. That’s what you’re going to discover next.
What is a pirated program and why do people download them?
A pirated program is any software that has been copied, modified, or distributed without the owner’s permission. To activate it, methods such as cracks, keygens or hacked versions are used that eliminate the original protections. That is, it is an illegal shortcut to avoid paying the user license. Many users choose this route to avoid spending on licenses, especially on high-cost programs, such as graphic design or video editing. However, it is not always considered that the “free” nature of these programs can bring more problems than benefits.
The objective of pirated programs is not to pay for the original license of the software, and to be able to use it without any type of restriction. Of course, the safest “cracks” are those with a simple serial number, since this does not contain any type of malware, but generally a program is necessary to copy libraries, replace executables with others that do not have the license check etc
Security risks
By downloading a pirated program, you are opening the door to multiple security problems. These are some of the most common:
- Malware in the system: pirated programs are usually accompanied by malware, which can include everything from viruses to ransomware, putting not only your computer at risk, but also all the information you store on it. It is even possible that a cybercriminal takes remote control of your device, without you realizing it.
- Loss of privacy: Spyware included in many pirated programs can steal your personal data, including passwords and banking information. Can you imagine having to face problems of identity theft or loss of money? All because we want to save you the original license.
- Lack of updates and support: Pirated software is not updated or receives security patches, leaving you vulnerable to new threats. Additionally, any technical issues that arise will have to be resolved by yourself, without access to official technical support. There are some times that the program is activated with a serial number, and it does allow minor updates, but it is not the most common.
As you can see, there are several problems and risks that you may encounter if you use this type of software. The most dangerous thing is that you can infect your PC with malware, and said malware encrypts your entire computer, steals passwords saved in your browsers, or is directly spying on you.
Legal consequences and ethical issues
Using pirated software not only affects your security, but also has legal and ethical consequences that are important to take into account.
- Fines and Sanctions: Piracy is illegal and, in many countries, can lead to significant financial penalties. In serious cases, you could even face legal problems. Fines can reach high figures and, for a company, the sanction can include confiscation of equipment.
- Harm to the industry and creators: Opting for pirated software harms developers and the technology industry in general. When you pay for a license, you are supporting innovation and continuous development, something that disappears when you choose an illegal route.
Alternatives to pirated software
Not all software is expensive. Nowadays, there are many legal and affordable alternatives that can replace those expensive programs that are often pirated.
- Open source software: There are free and open source programs that offer similar features to large paid software. For example, you can use LibreOffice as an alternative to Microsoft Office, GIMP instead of Photoshop or Blender for 3D animation.
- Discounts and trials: Many companies offer discounts for students, small businesses, or subscription programs that allow you to pay in easy monthly installments. These versions often include all essential features and allow you to use the program without putting your computer at risk.
- Subscriptions and educational plans: Today, companies like Adobe and Microsoft offer subscription models, making it easy to legally access their programs. Plus, in many cases, you can get great discounts if you are a student or if your company meets certain requirements.
Using pirated programs may seem like a good idea at first, but the risks are real and very serious. From malware exposure to legal issues, “free” software can be very expensive. Opting for legal software not only protects your computer and data, but also ensures optimal functioning and support from the creators. So is it worth the risk? The answer, for all these reasons, is clear: better to invest in security and peace of mind than to take risks with pirates.
