A new study by Unisphere Research, sponsored by LicenseFortress, highlights a dramatic increase in software audits, with 62% of companies audited in the past year, up from 40% in 2023. For large enterprises (5,000+ employees), this number climbs to 66%. Additionally, 32% of organizations faced audit penalties exceeding $1 million, more than tripling from two years ago.
The 2025 Survey on Enterprise Software Licensing and Audit Trends reveals that cloud adoption is adding complexity, forcing companies to dedicate more resources to audit defense. Over half of respondents reported involving 3-10 employees in audit tasks, while C-suite executives were engaged in 25% of cases—a sign of growing operational disruptions.
With rising costs and resource strain, organizations are increasingly turning to third-party audit defense services. In 2025, 52% of companies sought external expertise, up from 34% in 2023, with 95% finding these services valuable in reducing financial liabilities.
As audits become a persistent business risk, the study underscores the need for proactive compliance strategies. SAM Managed Services with continuous monitoring can help organizations mitigate risks, optimize licensing, and prevent costly penalties before they arise.
