Software Piracy Protection for Small Businesses

Reader needs advice on software piracy protection to protect her small business

re: Software Piracy Protection for Small Businesses

Dear Joshua,

I am looking for more information about how to prevent software piracy, as well as policies for employees regarding software piracy protection.

Thanks,

Joyce Robertson

Editor's Response:

I would recommend a multi-pronged approach to implementing software piracy protection.

 

Software Piracy Protection Tip #1

If you are using business-class versions of Microsoft Windows, such as Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4, Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, and Microsoft Windows XP Professional, assign each user's logon to the Users group on their local PC. This way users' "privileges" are limited, as so users will be unable to install software on their own -- a big step in the right direction for software piracy protection. (Users would need to first get the assistance of a designated Administrator. This step alone should DRAMATICALLY reduce unauthorized software installation and provides basic software piracy protection.)

 

Software Piracy Protection Tip #2

Keep ALL software media (diskettes and CD-ROMs) locked up, so that only authorized personnel have access. Again, a VERY simple way to build up some software piracy protection safeguards.

 

Software Piracy Protection Tip #3

Avoid keeping software installation files on network share points accessible to users.

 

Software Piracy Protection Tip #4

Add a few sentences to your company Policy on Acceptable Systems Usage that explicitly forbids software piracy and lists the sanctions for doing so.

 

Software Piracy Protection Tip #5

Have all employees sign off on the policy document that forbids software piracy. (And keep a copy in each employee's personnel file.)

 

Software Piracy Protection Tip #6

Post a copy of the company Policy on Acceptable Systems Usage on all office bulletin boards.

 

Software Piracy Protection Tip #7

Add a popup logon disclaimer to each PC that warns, "All systems usage is subject to the terms and conditions in the XYZ Company's Policy on Acceptable Systems Usage."

 

For additional assistance on related topics to software piracy protection, check out the following articles.

10 Simple Ways to Lower Your Small Business Computer Support Bills

How to Write Your Company's Small Business Internet Usage Policy

 

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