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Security of Licensed Software Pt3

Overview

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25 views5 pages

Security of Licensed Software Pt3

Overview

Uploaded by

mylittlegrip
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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2024

Securing Licensed Software


OVERVIEW
The security of licensed software is essential for organizations to mitigate risks, ensure compliance,
and protect their assets. These are some best practices worth considering.

License Inventory
Create an inventory of all software licenses your organization owns. Identify license types, quantities,
versions, and associated terms.

Keeping track of license renewals and expiration dates is crucial for maintaining compliance and
avoiding disruptions. Here are some steps to help you stay organized

Centralize Information
Create a centralized repository (such as a spreadsheet or document) to record license details.

Include columns for license type, vendor, purchase date, renewal date, and any other relevant
information.

Set Reminders
Use calendar reminders or task management tools to alert you about upcoming renewals.

Set reminders well in advance to allow time for processing and negotiations.

Automate Notifications
If possible, configure automated notifications from vendors or licensing platforms.

These notifications can remind you of approaching expiration dates.

Review Regularly
Schedule regular reviews (e.g., quarterly or annually) to assess license status.

Check for any licenses nearing expiration or requiring renewal.

Vendor Communication
Maintain open communication with software vendors.

Inquire about renewal options, pricing, and any changes to licensing terms.

Document Renewals
When renewing licenses, update your records promptly.

Keep copies of renewal agreements and receipts.


License Procurement
Acquire licenses through authorized channels (directly from vendors, volume licensing agreements,
or SaaS subscriptions).

Avoid using unlicensed or pirated software. Here’s a brief overview of each channel.

Directly from Vendors


Purchase licenses directly from software vendors or authorized resellers.

This approach allows you to negotiate terms, receive official licenses, and access vendor support.

Volume Licensing Agreements


Ideal for organizations with multiple users or devices.

Examples include Microsoft’s Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) or Adobe’s Creative Cloud for
Teams.

Benefits include cost savings, centralized management, and simplified deployment.

Software as a Service (SaaS) Subscriptions


SaaS models provide software on a subscription basis.

Access applications via the cloud without worrying about individual licenses.

Examples include Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Salesforce.


License Tracking
Monitoring license deployment and usage across your infrastructure is essential for effective license
management. Here’s how to achieve real-time visibility using Software Asset Management (SAM)
tools. Remember that SAM tools provide insights into software usage, helping you stay compliant
and avoid unnecessary costs.

Choose the Right SAM Tool


Research and select a SAM tool that suits your organization’s needs.

Look for features like license tracking, compliance reporting, and automated alerts.

Install and Configure the Tool


Install the chosen SAM software on relevant servers or workstations.

Configure it to scan your network and discover installed software.

Inventory and Discovery


The SAM tool will create an inventory of installed software.

It identifies licensed applications, versions, and usage patterns.

License Compliance Monitoring


Set up compliance rules based on license agreements.

Monitor license usage against purchased licenses.

Receive alerts for potential violations.

Usage Analytics
Analyze usage data to identify underutilized or overused licenses.

Optimize license allocation based on actual needs.

Regular Audits
Conduct periodic audits using the SAM tool.

Verify compliance and address any discrepancies.


License Compliance
Ensure the number of installations matches purchased licenses.

Adhere to vendor-defined terms and conditions.

Respect license restrictions and limitations1.

Security Considerations
Implement encryption for license keys to prevent unauthorized access.

Use symmetric or asymmetric cryptography to protect license data2.

Consider hardware-based protection mechanisms3.

Governance and Policies


Define roles and responsibilities for license management.

Establish approval processes for software acquisition.

Educate employees on compliance and usage best practices.

Remember that securing licensed software isn’t just about legal compliance—it’s also about
maintaining transparency, trust, and ethical standards within your organization

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