Does Any Company Take Action Against Their Cracked Software?

Many companies do take actions against cracked software. If it weren’t the case, they wouldn’t implement various security measures to prevent unauthorized use of their programs. This article delves into the measures companies take, from legal steps to practical impacts on their operations.

Legal Actions: Targeting Larger Players

The prospect of legal actions is real, particularly against larger companies rather than private individuals. It would not be cost-effective to pursue each individual user, especially if they reside in foreign countries. However, targeting companies ensures that they will need to purchase legitimate software for their employees. Financial payouts from companies that infringe on IP can be substantial, making legal action more justifiable in comparison to pursuing individual users.

Working with Law Enforcement to Stop Piracy

Software companies often collaborate with law enforcement agencies to shut down torrent sites and distributors of cracked or unauthorized copies of their programs. The objective is to prevent software piracy at its source rather than investing significant resources to track down individuals. These efforts aim to protect intellectual property and ensure that everyone uses legitimate software.

Personal Experiences with Cracked Software in the Past

During my younger, more financially constrained years, I frequently used cracked software to gain access to programs for personal use. At the time, it seemed no more immoral than taking an office pencil. Cracker programs were readily available for expensive applications like 3D Studio Max, AutoCAD, and Windows Office Professional. Before online verification was required, these programs were much easier to crack. Crackers would insert no-operations (no-ops) into the verification logic, which allowed for an unconditional "ok" to the authentication process.

A key method involved using a conversion program like Sourcer to convert assembly-level code back to its source code. By stepping through the code side-by-side, it was possible to identify and modify the authentication logic. With a checksum logic removed, the software could be cloned and shared freely. Competent hackers could crack almost any code, and individuals would upload their cracked versions, often under enigmatic handles, to share the knowledge.

Russian Hackers: A Case Study

Russian hackers were particularly proficient. A small, highly effective tool for stepping through code was available, but it required a deep understanding of PC assembly and architecture. In the late 1990s, virtually all Windows software in the former Soviet Union was illegal and hacked. A visit from Bill Gates to the former Eastern Bloc underscored the scale of piracy there.

Despite the widespread piracy, every company I have ever worked for had regular audits to check for unauthorized software use. While they would issue reprimands, it was often understood that the software was essential for project progress. Management approval for purchases was lacking, so the matter was discreet. After the audit, a single legitimate license was provided to ensure technical support could be accessed if needed, which we rarely utilized given our own technical skills.

Current Practices and Subscription Models

Today, subscription models that include full support have made it easier for projects to obtain licenses only for the duration needed. This mitigates the problem of paying for unused licenses, a practice that was once standard. Companies with the means to purchase licenses now do so, reflecting a shift in software usage and procurement practices.

In conclusion, while it is understandable why some companies would use cracked software in certain situations, it is fundamentally wrong to do so now. The steps taken by software companies to protect their intellectual property and the financial and ethical implications make it a non-viable option.