How do you evaluate the security and privacy risks of software subscription vs perpetual license?

1 Subscription benefits

One advantage of subscription software is that you always get the latest version and security patches. This can protect you from vulnerabilities, bugs, and compatibility issues that might affect older versions. Subscription software also tends to have more features and integrations, which can enhance your productivity and convenience. Additionally, subscription software usually offers cloud storage and backup, which can prevent data loss and enable remote access.

2 Subscription drawbacks

However, subscription software also has some drawbacks. First, you have to pay a recurring fee, which can add up over time and depend on the vendor's pricing policy. Second, you have to rely on the vendor's servers and internet connection, which can affect your availability and performance. Third, you have to trust the vendor's security and privacy practices, which can expose your data to breaches, leaks, or misuse. For example, the vendor might collect, share, or sell your data to third parties, or use it for advertising or analytics purposes.

3 Perpetual license benefits

On the other hand, perpetual license software has some benefits as well. First, you pay a one-time fee, which can save you money in the long run and give you more control over your budget. Second, you have more ownership and autonomy over your software, which can allow you to customize, modify, or transfer it as you wish. Third, you have more privacy and security over your data, which can reduce the risk of unauthorized access or disclosure. For example, you can store your data locally or on your own cloud service, or encrypt it with your own keys.

4 Perpetual license drawbacks

However, perpetual license software also has some drawbacks. First, you might miss out on new features and updates, which can limit your functionality and compatibility. Second, you might have to pay extra for support and maintenance, which can increase your costs and hassle. Third, you might have to deal with more technical issues and compatibility problems, which can affect your usability and reliability. For example, you might have to install, update, or troubleshoot your software manually, or deal with hardware or software conflicts.

5 Risk evaluation criteria

Evaluating the security and privacy risks of software subscription vs perpetual license can be tricky, as it depends on your needs, preferences, and circumstances. To make an informed decision, consider the cost of the software, its availability, functionality, security measures, and privacy policies. Think about how much you are willing and able to pay for the software, whether you need to access it anytime and anywhere, how compatible it is with your other tools and systems, how sensitive your data is, how confident you are in the vendor's security measures and policies, how transparent they are about their data collection and usage, and how much control you have over your data.

6 Risk mitigation strategies

No matter which option you choose, there are some strategies to mitigate the security and privacy risks of software subscription vs perpetual license. Before buying or using any software, read the terms and conditions carefully, and look for any red flags or hidden clauses. Do research on the vendor's reputation and track record. To protect your data, use encryption and VPN when accessing or transferring it online. Use strong passwords and authentication methods for your accounts and devices. Regularly monitor and audit your data for any unusual activity, errors, inconsistencies, or anomalies.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?