You’ve seen the damage counterfeit software can cause. You know how it can install malicious software and code that can lead to identity theft, credit card fraud, data loss, and downtime. You also know how counterfeiters disregard the rules, undercut prices, and lure business away from honest resellers. It’s not fair.

Fortunately, IDC has conducted thorough research on the risks of counterfeit software. Together, we can use this information and fight back against unscrupulous resellers who sell counterfeit software.

Get the facts. To get started, view the IDC research*. This document will provide you with details from the IDC research findings. Watch the on-demand Webcast and learn more about the IDC analysis and the steps Microsoft® is taking to protect customers and support honest resellers.

Once you know the facts, spread the word that:

• 25% of Web sites that offered counterfeit product keys, pirated software, key generators, or crack tools attempted to install either malicious or potentially unwanted software.
• 11% of the key generators and crack tools downloaded from Web sites and 59% downloaded from peer-to-peer networks contained either malicious or potentially unwanted software.
• Of 228 counterfeit discs examined, two-thirds contained additional binaries, many of which could introduce known vulnerabilities into users’ systems.