BSA-软件管理：安全与商机（英文）-2018-24页-1mb

Summary of BSA Global Software Survey (June 2018)

Core Content

The BSA Global Software Survey, conducted in partnership with IDC, provides an in-depth analysis of the use of unlicensed software and its association with cybersecurity risks. The report highlights the economic and security implications of unlicensed software usage and underscores the importance of Software Asset Management (SAM) in mitigating these risks.

Main Points

• Software is essential: Software is a fundamental tool for businesses worldwide, used in various operations such as sales tracking, communication, and productivity enhancement.
• Malware is a growing threat: Malware is becoming more pervasive, costly, and damaging, with new threats emerging every second. The average cost of a malware attack is $2.4 million, and it can take up to 50 days to resolve.
• Unlicensed software linked to malware: There is a strong correlation between the use of unlicensed software and malware infections. Countries with high unlicensed software rates experience more frequent and severe malware attacks.
• CIOs are increasingly aware: CIOs recognize the risks and costs associated with unlicensed software and are taking steps to improve software compliance. Lowering unlicensed software rates is now a top priority for cybersecurity.
• SAM as a solution: SAM is presented as a critical tool to reduce cyber-risks, improve security, and boost organizational efficiency and profitability. It helps in managing licenses, reducing downtime, and increasing productivity.
• Economic benefits of SAM: Organizations that improve their software compliance can achieve up to 11% increased profits. A robust SAM program can lead to 30% savings in annual software costs.
• Global trends: Despite a slight decline in unlicensed software usage, it remains widespread, accounting for 37% of all software installed on personal computers globally. In many countries, the rate is over 50%.
• Real-world examples: Companies like OSI International Foods, Baltika Breweries, and NASA have seen significant cost savings and efficiency improvements by implementing SAM best practices.
• Government role: Governments can play a key role by leading by example, improving their own SAM practices, and ensuring that contractors use only authorized software.

Key Findings

• Unlicensed software is still prevalent: 37% of software installed on personal computers globally is unlicensed, with some regions like Asia-Pacific and Central and Eastern Europe having even higher rates.
• Malware risks are significant: Unlicensed software increases the likelihood of malware infections, with a one-in-three chance of encountering malware in organizations using unlicensed software.
• Cost implications: The annual cost of dealing with malware from unlicensed software is estimated at $359 billion globally. Each infected computer can cost over $10,000 to resolve.
• SAM benefits: SAM helps reduce downtime, lower costs, and improve security. It also enables better use of technology by aligning software with business needs and leveraging cloud services.
• CIOs prioritize compliance: Lower security risks are the top benefit cited by CIOs for strong software compliance, followed by legal risk reduction and increased IT productivity.

Conclusion

The report emphasizes that improving software compliance through effective SAM is not only a security imperative but also a business opportunity. By reducing the use of unlicensed software, organizations can significantly lower their exposure to malware and enhance their operational efficiency, leading to substantial financial gains. Governments are also encouraged to take proactive steps in promoting SAM to secure their economic sectors and set an example for the private sector.