Did you know hardware and software expire too?
We are all aware of the term “use by date.” It is regularly used when discussing food and medications and refers to the date after which the product is no longer safe to consume. However, did you know that your software and hardware can expire too?
This is because technology is constantly evolving and advancing. As a result, what was once cutting-edge can become obsolete in the blink of an eye.
While many people may not think twice about using outdated technology, it has security and privacy implications for your business. Obsolete technology is often less secure than newer versions because it doesn’t receive modern security features or patches from the manufacturer’s support team. This can leave your device and your data less impervious to attacks. Plus, outdated technology may need to comply with current privacy regulations, meaning your data could be at risk.
So, what does this mean for you and your organization? First, staying up to date with the latest software and hardware is essential. When your systems reach their expiration date, you need a plan to protect your business from the fallout of outdated technology.
End-of-support for Office 2013
As of January 2023, Microsoft will no longer offer support for Office 2013. Unfortunately, you will not receive any technical assistance or security updates from Microsoft to protect against potential vulnerabilities.
Continuing to use Office 2013 after this date exposes you to security risks such as malware, phishing, ransomware, and data theft.
To keep your business safe, the best option is to migrate to Microsoft 365. As a cloud-based service, it can increase employee productivity and collaboration without the risk of using unsupported software. In addition, Microsoft automatically patches vulnerabilities as they are discovered, so you can be confident that your systems are always protected against the latest threats.
A stitch in time saves nine
As data breaches and cyberattacks continue to make headlines, organizations are under pressure to bolster their cybersecurity efforts. However, many businesses still need to take adequate precautions to defend themselves. Unfortunately, one of the biggest mistakes a company can make is presuming that its cybersecurity measures are sufficient. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth than this misconception.
Investing in supported technologies is one of the most advantageous ways to protect your business. Supported technologies have routine internal security measures in place, and their support teams create and release updates and patches to make the product more secure and helpful.
In the event of a data breach or cyberattack, supported technologies will also have a team of experts who can assist you in recovering from the incident.
Always remember that prevention is better than cure.
Need help?
You’ve read this far, so you’re committed to keeping your organization safe by ensuring no one is using outdated software or hardware. But this can be a challenging task without professional help. Luckily, we’re here to assist.
We have the experience and expertise to show you the best way to secure your business and provide you with the necessary tools, so you won’t be caught off guard by outdated software or hardware. Contact us today for a free consultation.
