A “crack” is a file or set of files that are used to compromise the security of a computer system or software application. This forced access allows the intruder to get limited information (such as registration and copy-protection methods) to profit or commit other crimes. Individuals who create crack files are, in essence, hackers.
Indeed, there are many risks associated with the use of cracked apps. Below are the three discussed:
Legal implications
Cracking software and apps is theft, and as such, is a criminal offense punishable by law.
The Department of Homeland Security, in collaboration with the Department of Justice, is committed to identifying and prosecuting individuals and businesses that engage in software cracking or that purchase cracked applications and resell them on reputable sites such as Amazon, eBay, or even Craigslist (Andy Greenberg, 2015). Such an offense may result in a five-year prison sentence and a fine of up to a quarter of a million dollars in restitution. It is also against the law to connect to websites that offer cracked programs.
Crashes and bugs
The regular occurrence of unpleasant and debilitating computer crashes is one of the most prevalent side effects of using pirated software. When the computer’s screen becomes blue or black, or when the computer freezes, the system or program crashes.
Crashes occur as a result of flaws in a system or software. A bug is a mistake or flaw in the source code or design of a system that causes it to behave unexpectedly. System bugs are the kinds of bugs that trigger such crashes. These are vulnerabilities that give unauthorized rights to malicious users and allow them to circumvent application access restrictions (Software Bug, 2018).
Inability to update application
You will be unable to update programs or contact the software developer’s help desk for assistance in resolving problems.
When you purchase software directly from a vendor or a legally authorized distributor, the program includes a license key or serial number that serves as a unique identification. This serial code establishes an internet connection between you and the program developer’s host server. Thus linked, your program gets legal authorization to operate normally and you have access to all future upgrades (Serial Code, 2018).
Updates are intended to correct mistakes or weaknesses in previously written code or to bring previously written code up to date. Because cracked software loses its guarantee, patronizing cracked software entails a loss of many rights.
On the other hand, once you activate that feature, you may be able to get updates. However, when you update, the changed or cracked files will be replaced with new ones. The crack effect will be gone and the program will return to its pre-cracking form, putting you in severe legal problems if you do not have a legitimate identification code to prove your ownership.