Cracked files are the primary delivery method for Trojans. When you disable your antivirus to install a crack, you give a gateway to: Stealing your banking passwords. Ransomware: Locking your project files for payment.
Cracks often require you to block the software from "calling home." This prevents the software from receiving essential security patches.
Modern software licensing is flexible. Instead of a massive upfront cost, look for: Monthly subscription tiers. "Cloud" versions that allow for lower entry costs.