Vietnamese police warn against using cracked software

Police in Vietnam, including authorities from Dur Kmăl commune in Đắk Lắk province, have issued warnings regarding the risks associated with using cracked software. These unauthorized versions are modified to bypass developer licensing mechanisms, often posing significant cybersecurity threats.

Authorities noted that such software can lead to data loss and information theft, especially when installation instructions require users to disable security programs or grant high-level access. Beyond technical risks, using, distributing, or providing unauthorized software may lead to legal consequences under copyright protection laws.

In a related enforcement action on June 11, 2026, the Phu Tho Provincial Police Criminal Investigation Agency initiated a case regarding the “crime of infringing upon copyright and related rights” under Article 225 of the Penal Code. This investigation included searches at five locations across Phu Tho and Hanoi related to computer supply and software installation activities.