Which is a potential consequence of installing illegally obtained software on a government system?

Installing illegally obtained software on a government system can lead to serious security vulnerabilities that may result in theft of critical mission or personal data. Illegally obtained software often lacks the necessary security measures and can contain malicious code, such as viruses, malware, or backdoors, that can be exploited by cybercriminals. This malicious code can allow unauthorized users to access sensitive information, compromise system integrity, or disrupt operations, posing significant risks to both individual privacy and national security.

The other options do not accurately reflect the serious repercussions associated with the installation of such software. While some may mistakenly believe that illegal software might improve performance or enhance security, the reality is that it introduces considerable risks instead. Furthermore, while access to unauthorized applications may occur, it is primarily the threat of data theft that poses the gravest concern in a government context. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the most critical and potentially damaging consequence of such actions.