Chances are, you’ve heard of some of the pirated or cracked software that’s available for macOS. You may have even downloaded and installed some of it yourself at one point or another. Doing so, however, is very dangerous, as it puts you, your hardware, and your data at risk.
Pirated software refers to illegal copies of legitimate programs like Microsoft Word, Photoshop, and Final Cut Pro, etc., often made available to download for free using peer-to-peer (P2P) websites and sharing portals. The software is usually modified so that it doesn’t require a license, thus saving the user money. For example, pirates may obtain trial-period copies of popular software and remove the built-in 30-day limit or other copy-prevention protections.
This guide will teach you the difference between pirated and cracked software and outline the many reasons why using pirated software is not a good idea.
What is the difference between pirated and cracked software?
Software developers usually code copy protections into their programs. These can include license codes or keys that customers receive when they purchase a piece of software legitimately. Developers might also implement trial versions of their software that expire after a certain amount of time, at which point the user must buy the full version or lose access. The goal of pirated and cracked software is to bypass these protections.
Software piracy includes copying, distributing, or using software without express permission from the software developer or a reseller. Software pirates often obtain legitimate copies of desired software and then turn around and sell or distribute them for free. It is illegal, and the consequences of software piracy include steep fines and even imprisonment, as software piracy violates copyright laws.
The difference between pirated and cracked software is simple. Pirated software will be a copy but won’t include a software key or license code. The user will have to get that on their own. Cracked software, on the other hand, has been modified to circumvent copy protections.
Bottom line: If you didn’t pay for it, it’s pirated software. If you can use it without a license or code key, it’s cracked.
How software piracy works
There are some variations in how people pirate software:
- Softlifting is when a user purchases software and then shares it with another person. If that other person doesn’t pay for their copy, both parties are guilty of software piracy. Just because you own it doesn’t mean you can copy or share it.
- Hard-disk loading is when someone copies legally purchased software and installs it on a hard disk. That person then sells the hard disk with the software installed for the buyer to use.
- Counterfeiting occurs when a software pirate illegally obtains and resells or shares software for free. This is the most common type of software piracy, and it works because the user gets an extreme discount on an expensive program.
- License overuse is when too many people use the same license. It can happen when software is licensed to a company or school, and more people access and use it than are specified in the license.
- P2P piracy occurs when someone obtains a legal copy of a program and shares it on a peer-to-peer network such as a torrent — the same way hackers share and sell movies, music, operating systems, and apps.
Depending on the country, the consequences of software pirating can vary quite a bit. In some places, copyright infringement means prison time and steep fines.
The top 5 reasons why you shouldn’t install pirated or cracked programs on your Mac
Ever since the first computer programs were created, there have been people who have found ways to pirate and distribute them to users who wish to avoid paying. However, the practice is illegal and remains very dangerous for users. Here are some reasons why you should never install pirated or cracked apps for Mac.
1. Software piracy is illegal
The first and most obvious reason to avoid using pirated software on your Mac is because it is illegal. Not only is it unlawful to steal and distribute pirated software, but it’s also illegal to use it.
If you didn’t pay for a piece of software, it is basically theft. You could face fines of up to $150,000 for distributing or using pirated software.
2. High risk of malware, spyware, and ransomware
Hackers are notorious for using cracked apps as vehicles to deliver malware or ransomware. Bad actors use free or discounted software as bait. They want you to download and install it so they can infect your device with malware, spyware, adware, or ransomware. Some of these can ruin your computer and cost you thousands of dollars. Others can be disruptive or harvest data for later use.
Much of the cracked software you find on the web is laced with spyware, malware, or, even worse, ransomware. By trying to save a few bucks on software, you could end up with all your files taken hostage by a hacker who demands much more than the original price of the software.
3. No updates
Software developers frequently roll out updates to their programs to add new features, patch security vulnerabilities, and fix issues. If you download and use pirated software, you won’t have access to any of those updates. This can leave your Mac vulnerable to attacks through the software if security issues are not properly patched.
4. Possible damage to your Mac
Some pirated software can cause irreparable damage to your Mac. Hackers have many techniques at their disposal, including turning off your cooling system and overheating the computer until it is ruined.
Bad actors can also turn other systems on or off to damage your system beyond repair. As a result, you stand to lose your hardware, software, and all your files.
5. Risk of identity theft
Hidden among the many illegal copies of legitimate software are altered versions that may scan your system for sensitive data like credit card numbers, bank account details, social security numbers, driver’s license IDs, and other personal information to use for identity theft.
How to identify pirated software before downloading
If you are in the habit of downloading a lot of software online, then you need to learn the warning signs of software piracy. Claiming that you didn’t realize something was pirated is not a valid defense you can use in court.
Here are a few tips to identify pirated software:
- The best and easiest way to know if an app is legit is to examine the source. If you are buying it from the Apple App Store or from the company’s official website, then it will be a genuine copy. On the other hand, if you’re downloading it from a torrent website, it is likely a pirated version.
- Next, look at the file name. If it says anything about a “key-gen,” it is a pirated copy. Key-gen stands for key generator and is one way to generate fake serial numbers.
- Scan the software with an antivirus scanner. Pirated software can be a vehicle for malware, whether it’s a virus, spyware, or something intended to use your computer as part of a botnet. Scan the software to see if any red flags pop up. Legitimate software will never contain malware (unless the company is engaged in illegal activity).
What are the consequences of using pirated software?
Many people see the use of pirated software as a victimless crime, but there are many serious consequences to using pirated software.
The company loses money and could go out of business
If the company in question loses a lot of potential revenue to piracy, it could go out of business. This puts people out of jobs and may even set back the entire industry.
Hidden malware can damage your computer and steal your data
As well as wreaking damage to your computer, malware can steal your personal data, leading to your identity being stolen. It can also put spyware on your browser and potentially use your machine as part of a botnet to launch DDoS attacks. Some of these activities are carried out by organized crime groups and terrorists.
You may be prosecuted and fined
Many companies are cracking down on file sharers and those who use software that they know is stolen. Using techniques such as tracing your IP address, they can find you and may choose to prosecute you.
The fines you will be facing if this happens will vastly exceed the cost of simply buying legitimate software. They could also have serious long-term consequences, especially if you can’t afford to pay.
Conclusion
Downloading pirated software may feel like striking the deal of the century, but it’s not worth the hassle and headaches you may experience from doing so. Do yourself a favor and always invest in a legitimate license to receive free updates and all the features you are entitled to enjoy as the legal owner of a piece of software.
Our advice is to always purchase software legally from a trusted source to keep your Mac safe and running well. Only install apps from the App Store or other legitimate companies. Stay away from third-party installers or download sites. Finally, read and accept the end-user license agreement. It will clearly spell out how to use the software and the penalties for violating the rules.
This is an independent publication, and it has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Apple Inc. Mac and macOS are trademarks of Apple Inc.
