Unauthorized Software
What is Unauthorized Software?
Any software installed on business systems without organizational approval — including browser extensions, free utilities, cracked applications, and personal tools. Unauthorized software can contain malware, create unpatched vulnerabilities, or exfiltrate data. Maintaining a software inventory and restricting installation privileges are core requirements of the Baseline Controls.
Addressed under Baseline Controls — Patch Management and Software Inventory.
Why this matters for Canadian businesses
Understanding Unauthorized Software is part of building a security programme that meets the 13 Baseline Cyber Security Controls published by the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (ITSM.10.089) — the Government of Canada's recommended minimum standard for small and medium organizations. You can measure your organization against all 13 controls with our free cybersecurity assessment.
For the wider picture on how Canadian small and medium businesses are performing, see The Cybersecurity Canada Report 2026, our annual benchmark of incident rates, breach costs, and regulation affecting Canadian organizations.
Cite This Page
Suggested citation:
Cybersecurity Canada (2026). Unauthorized Software. Retrieved from https://cybersecuritycanada.ca/glossary/unauthorized-software/
Permanent URL: https://cybersecuritycanada.ca/glossary/unauthorized-software/
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