A survey released today by leading IT solutions company axon IT has revealed that one in three small businesses are running on illegal software, exposing them to the risk of spyware, viruses and even prosecution.

axon IT found that many small business owners are not fully aware of the complexities of licensing, moreover many are unaware of the risks of pirate software, often at the hands of unscrupulous IT consultants.

The findings, taken from a survey of 1000 SMEs nationally, reveal that 36% of firms are running on pirate software, often unknowingly, and an alarming 55% of businesses are not aware that pirated software can contain viruses, spyware and malware that could put vital company data, financial information and employee or customer details at risk.

Equally worrying is the fact that 89% of businesses do not check that licenses are authentic when purchasing software.

Graham Fern, director at axon IT explains: “In a large number of firms there are timebombs waiting to go off.

“This is largely due to ignorance or bad IT advice. In many cases, it is not necessarily a case of purchasing pirated software, but is a case of software being incorrectly licensed which makes it illegal. Anybody can set up an IT company and offer advice but rogue “consultants” are providing the wrong advice in order to maximise profits at the expensive of small businesses.”

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For more information, photography or an interview with the senior management team please call Anthea Fosti at Zeus Public Relations Limited on 01260 271429 / 07971437042 or email anthea@zeuspr.co.uk.