In the list of installed software from the previous step, identify paid software (e.g. Windows, Office, Adobe Photoshop, etc.).

For these applications, check that you have a regular purchase invoice, or that you have a valid licence provided by the device manufacturer. In the latter case, you should be able to see the authenticity sticker on the device (see image)

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Why bother with software licences installed on your devices

Managing device software licences is important for two aspects:

LEGAL/ADMINISTRATIVE

The Supreme Court, in two recent judgments (32912/2018 of 17 July and 30047/2018 of 4 July), ruled that it is not an offence for professionals to possess copied software. Beware, however, because on an economic level you risk a real bleeding.

Beware, however: this is not a crime, but is nevertheless an administrative offence; the fine is 154 euros and, in addition to this, Article 3 of Article 174-ter of Law 633/1941 (Copyright Law) provides for the confiscation of the material (the software or DVDs on which it is duplicated) and the publication of the measure in a daily newspaper with national circulation.

COMPUTER SECURITY

Unlicensed, or 'pirated' or 'non-genuine' software can generate a computer risk. Why? For several reasons:

  1. In some cases, it may be recognised by the software manufacturer, which prevents security updates, leaving the software exposed to cyber attacks.
  2. In some cases it is installed by software developed by hackers (crack), which deliberately prevents updates to avoid detection, and may include lines of malicious code.
  3. In both the first and second cases, the software may suddenly stop working or have reduced reliability, generating a cyber risk.