Keeping track of your software can save you a lot of time and money when it comes to any potential compliance audits. Here’s what you need to know.
Software Auditing
It’s 2018, and almost every legitimate business makes use of some form of software. From accounting applications to customer management, security, networking, and analysis, even the smallest mom and pops shop utilize at least three or four important pieces of software to help them manage their business.
The advent of business management software has made it far easier to keep track of finances and handle the jobs that previously required full-time help. However, when businesses begin to lose track of what software they have and lose control of what gets downloaded on company computers, the results can be quite problematic.
That’s where software auditing comes in handy. Essentially, auditing is just a way of keeping all of your software organized and up to date. This, in turn, ensures that you don’t run into compliance issues, security breaches, and decreased efficiency further down the road.
Avoid Copyright Infringement
One of the key reasons why businesses perform regular software license compliance audit is to make sure that all of their programs are compliant with the latest laws and that none of their devices are running pirated software.
If a software company decides to check out your systems and discovers that you are using unverified software or that your licenses aren’t up-to-date, then they can take legal action against you. In most cases, business owners are completely unaware of the fact that their licenses expired.
However, performing regular compliance audits is a great way to keep track of all of the programs installed on your company’s many computers, and ensure all licenses are legal.
Other Benefits of Software Auditing
Auditing your business software has quite a few other benefits besides just staying on the right side of the law. When your software is better organized, your cybersecurity will be better and you’ll have more control over your devices to keep them safe and efficient.
Better Security
Your business software is probably updated on a monthly basis. While some of these updates just improve the user experience, many are designed to patch security loopholes that develop in the software. A good auditing program will be able to make sure all of your company software stays updated and secured.
More Control
Another key advantage of using auditing software is that you can control what programs are installed on your devices. One of the biggest causes of security breaches comes from employees downloading compromised programs onto company computers. Phishing and trojan viruses can then be released causing havoc to your network and putting your and your clients personal information at risk.
Software Auditing Software
Want to know the best way to audit your software and perform software license compliance audits?
The answer is … more software.
Using a good software auditing program can do wonders for your overall IT organization. You’ll be able to keep track of all of your programs, keep them updated, store all of your licenses, and better manage your overall network security.
