Illegal software

Hi Guys,

I recently met with a friend of mine, an IT manager in a small sized office (less than 25 people).
As we were chatting, he mentioned that he's confused about software in his new job. When he joined the company some computers had pirated MS office, photoshop etc, so he reported it to his supervisor, saying that they need to purchase additional licences. His boss said that there is nothing to be worrying about. He acknowledged, but weren't going to do anything.

So now after 3 months into the job he's managing a network with some chunk of pirated software. My questions are:

A) Who's responsible in case of let say an audit?

How can he protect his ass?
C) What kind of consequences can he expect?
D) What kind of consequences company can expect?

All thoughts are kindly appreciated

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Comments

Mishra

There was another post about this before...

Basically just make sure he sends an email about the pirated software (only to his boss) and then store his reply with "don't worry about it" somewhere and he is good to go. You can't be policing a company, just make sure you have at least tried.

It is somewhat rare from what I've seen that I hear a company get busted for illegal software. Usually only the ones who don't purchase any licensing at all and is more than 100 people are tracked down more often.

Kasor

Maintain account of all illegal software and try to phase them out by buying or drop them off.

It is a tough duty when your boss know it and still breaking it. But with currently IT budget and the price of the each license. It will be difficult..., just don't add anymore illegal stuff because now you are responsible.

HeroPsycho

Be aware that you knowingly being involved in the use of pirated software could be grounds to lose vendor certifications. If it were me, I'd look for a new job and move on.

dynamik

As Mishra said, he needs to get some sort of documented evidence that he brought the issue to management's attention. That's about all he can do, given his position.

Consequences are typically fines. I believe the company usually pays something like double the cost of the software they're using. I'm sure many factors play a role in determining the fine though (i.e. Was a legal copy installed on multiple computers or did someone intentionally pirate it and use a crack/keygen, etc.)

I don't think your friend would face any legal repercussions, but he may still be affected by it. A huge financial hit to the company could jeopardize his job, or there may be less obvious consequences like HP stated.

darkuser

the company has a legal responsibility
of due-dilligence if they are knowingly allowing this they can be
arrested , sued and fired in any order.

you can report this to micro$oft
and even the fbi anonymously.

if you watch someone commit murder
and dont report it your"re an accessary

HeroPsycho

Agreed. Getting an email that proves your boss knowingly allowed pirated software doesn't necessarily absolve you of anything. In fact, it implicates you if you do nothing.

Lose-lose situation if you ask me. If you don't get documentation that proves he ordered you to do it, then you could be blamed. However, getting it documented without you acting on it implicates you as an accomplice.

Run for the hills!