Dangers Of Using Cracked Applications
A “crack” is a file or series of files used to break into the security shield of a computer system or a computer software programs. This forced entry enables the intruder to gain restricted knowledge (like registration and copy-protection techniques) for profiteering or for other malicious intent. People who write crack files are essentially hackers.
There are indeed many dangers involved in using these cracked applications. Below we discuss three:
- Legal implications
Cracking of software and applications is stealing, and therefore it is a crime punishable by law.
The Department of Homeland Security in collaboration with the Department of Justice are bent on tracking down and punishing individuals as well as companies who engage themselves in cracking software, or who buy cracked applications and resell them on reputable sites like Amazon, eBay, or even Craigslist (Andy Greenberg, 2015). Such a crime could land you in jail for 5 years with a fine of up to a quarter of a million dollars in restitution. It is even illegal to link to websites selling such cracked applications.
- Crashes And Bugs
One of the most common problems that come with using cracked software is the frequent incidence of annoying and paralyzing computer crashes. A system or software crashes when the computer screen goes blue or black, or when the computer freezes completely.
Crashes occur because a system or program contains bugs. A bug is an error or fault in a system’s source code or design that causes it to behave in an unintended way. The type of bugs that cause crashes like that are known as system bugs. These are bugs which grant unauthorized privileges to a malicious user and enables them to bypass access controls within the application (Software Bug, 2018).
- Inability To Update Application
You will be unable to update the applications or call the help line of the software developer to help fix the bugs.
When you pay for a software from the original vendor or a legally recognized distributor, the software comes with a license key or serial number as a unique identifier. This serial code connects you with a host server of the software developer via an internet connection. Thus connected, your software obtains legal permission to function properly and you will be able to activate all future updates (Serial Code, 2018).
Updates are meant to fix errors or flaws or to bring a written code up to date. Cracked software lose their warranty, and so you forfeit many privileges when you patronize cracked software.
On the other hand, you may be able to receive updates if you enable that function. However, when you are updating, the changed/cracked files will be replaced by new files. Hence, the crack effect will be lost and the application will revert back to its original state before cracking, landing you in serious trouble without a valid identifier code to verify your ownership.
