The Dangers of Running Outdated Software
When software reaches its end of life, it no longer receives critical patches and updates, leaving users vulnerable to various problems. While some may not see the need to upgrade immediately, outdated software can lead to security risks, data loss, compliance issues, and more. In this blog, we will discuss the primary implications of running outdated software and explain why taking action is crucial when reaching EoL.
Implications of using outdated software
The implications of running outdated software can be divided into three categories:
Security implications
Old software can be a considerable security risk. You might not get security patches from the vendor anymore, leaving your system open to known exploits. Also, attackers may have already reverse-engineered the software and developed exploit code, making it easier for them to compromise your system. Outdated software can also cause compatibility issues with other software and hardware, leading to data loss or corruption. And finally, running old software may violate your organization’s security policies, hindering a secure future and operational excellence.
Productivity implications
Software that is not up to date can negatively impact a company’s productivity. For example, outdated software can run slowly, crash often, or be challenging to use, leading to employee frustration and workflow disruptions. This can harm a company’s reputation with customers and bottom line. Therefore, it is important to keep software up to date to avoid these problems.
Privacy implications
The implications of using outdated software can be severe, especially when it comes to sensitive information. Without support from the vendor and proper security measures, you could be at risk for data breaches and fines.
For example, in the United States, the Federal Trade Commission is taking action against Chegg Inc. for failing to patch vulnerabilities that exposed sensitive information about millions of its customers and employees, such as Social Security numbers, email addresses, and passwords. Chegg allegedly couldn’t address problems despite four security breaches over five years.
According to the FTC’s proposed order, the company must immediately address vulnerabilities and take additional steps to limit the amount of data it can collect and retain. Additionally, to provide users with multifactor authentication to secure their accounts and allow users to access and delete their data.*
Collaborate for success
As a business owner, it’s important to be aware of the dangers of using outdated software. While it may be a challenge to upgrade your systems, partnering with an IT service provider can help ease the burden.
At Istonish, we can assist in identifying outdated software and hardware, as well as keeping your company up to date on the latest security threats. We can also update your systems to the latest versions, ensuring optimal protection for your business.
