With just a few search operations online, users can easily download "crack" versions of Windows, Microsoft Office or professional design software without paying any fees.
However, behind that convenience are a series of consequences in terms of security, legality and awareness of intellectual property rights - an issue that is increasingly being tightened in Vietnam.
Pirated software is still rampant in businesses
According to Viettel Cyber Security's Report on the Situation of Information Security (IS) risks in Vietnam in 2025, the situation of using pirated software, cracked software, pirated games and fake browser utilities is one of the most common and dangerous sources of malware infection in Vietnam.
The consequences of using unlicensed software are very large, one of which is the leakage of personal data.
According to reports, in 2025 alone, Vietnam recorded more than 25.5 million records of leaked personal account information (up 76% compared to 2024), along with 627 cases of advertising sensitive data with more than 4 billion records and 1.27 TB of leaked data.
Businesses using copyright-infringing software also face the risk of ransomware attacks. Commonly affected sectors include technology, healthcare, energy, public services, construction...
Along with the risk of cybersecurity, the legal framework on intellectual property is also being significantly tightened.
The Prime Minister has just issued Official Dispatch No. 38/CD-TTg dated May 5, 2026, focusing on directing the drastic implementation of solutions to combat, prevent, and handle acts of intellectual property rights infringement.
According to the telegram, functional forces will focus on cracking down on websites providing movies, music, electronic games and illegal software with large traffic; and at the same time strengthen copyright inspection of computer programs at enterprises.
Many serious cases will be investigated, prosecuted and tried to create deterrence, in the context that cracked software is still being widely used from individuals to businesses in Vietnam.
Knowing it's wrong but still using it
Although risks have been warned for many years, reality shows that most individual users still choose pirated software for financial reasons and convenience.
Nguyen Thanh Dat - a freelance designer using the cracked versions of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator - said that accessing pirated software is almost "default" in the learning environment.
According to Thanh Dat, most of the designers around him used crack software, so he himself also used it.
Money is the main issue," Thanh Dat said; and also said that for a freelancer who does not have a stable income, spending millions of VND on copyrighted software is difficult.
It is noteworthy that Thanh Dat understands that using pirated software is a violation of intellectual property rights, especially in a highly intellectual profession like design. However, he believes that beginners need a "gap" to access and develop skills before having the conditions to work professionally.
Later, if I pursue the industry seriously, I will use copyrighted software," Thanh Dat shared.
Users often don't know they are violating
Not everyone who uses pirated software is aware that this is a violation of the law.
Mr. Nguyen Viet Cuong - an office worker in the express delivery sector - said that he himself and most of his colleagues use Excel and Office jailbreaking software.
The main reason, according to him, is that downloading software is too easy, so many people naturally think they are free. "The software is now available on Google," he said.
After more than a year of use, Mr. Cuong admitted that he had never learned about the official copyright price from the manufacturer. However, he said that he is willing to pay a fee if the payment process is more convenient and the price is reasonable, about 200,000 VND per month.
Many people don't know it's copyrighted software because they see everyone using it," Mr. Cuong shared.
This view also appears in the older generation of workers. Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong - an accountant who has worked for many years - said that her company only buys copyrights for accounting software, while Word and Excel are "useable for free".
It is noteworthy that she completely did not know that using those software without buying a license was a violation. "Since studying computer science 25 years ago, when I opened the computer, I already had Word and Excel, so I thought it was naturally available," she recounted.
When asked about the State's upcoming tightening of copyright management, she said that businesses will definitely incur additional costs but still need to comply because this is the right decision to protect intellectual property rights.
The mentality of "pay if you deserve it
Not all users object to paying fees. The problem lies in the feeling of "worth the money" and the user experience.
Ms. Pham Ha Phuong - a freelancer - said that she is paying periodic fees for many services such as Netflix, Spotify, ChatGPT, Canva or CapCut because they directly serve work and daily life.
According to her, software is "worth money" when it helps save time, has many useful features or becomes difficult to replace in work. Conversely, if the platform does not provide enough content that users need or restricts access rights, many people will tend to turn to pirated sources to replace it.
Although admitting that using pirated movie websites or libraries is a copyright infringement, she said that she "doesn't care much" because she has not seen a clear penalty mechanism for individual users.
However, if there are stronger control and punitive measures in the future, she affirmed that her current usage habits will definitely change.
Value problem
Reality shows that the use of pirated software in Vietnam is not simply a story of "intentional violation". In many cases, users are affected by social habits, lack of awareness of copyright or financial barriers.
For many years, cracked software has been shared publicly and easily accessible on the Internet, making it normal for many people to use pirated software, especially in students and small businesses.
However, as the digital economy develops stronger, intellectual property rights are increasingly seen as the core elements of creativity and competition. Tightening the management of pirated software is therefore not only aimed at protecting technology companies, but also contributing to building a culture of respecting intellectual property in the digital environment.
In parallel with legal measures, many opinions suggest that publishers also need to have more flexible policies such as cheap packages for students, subscription forms suitable for income in Vietnam or expanding trial versions to make it easier for users to access.
Because ultimately, to reduce the situation of using pirated software, just fining is not enough. More importantly, it makes users feel that paying for copyright is reasonable, safe and truly brings value.
