Expired IT Technology is a Cybersecurity Risk

We are all aware of the term “use by date.” It is regularly used when talking about 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. 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While many people may not think twice about using outdated technology, it has security and privacy implications for your business.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 Plus, outdated technology may not be compliant with current privacy regulations, meaning your data could be at risk.

So, what does this mean for you and your organisation? Staying up to date with the latest software programs and hardware is crucial. To protect your business from the downfall of outdated technology, you need a plan for when your systems reach their expiration date.

End-of-support for Office 2013

Since April 2023, Office 2013 is no longer supported by Microsoft. This lack of support means you will not receive any technical assistance, bug fixes or security updates from Microsoft to cover any potential vulnerabilities.

Even if all your Office 2013 apps continue to function after the specified time, you run the risk of being exposed to security vulnerabilities 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 its subscription-based model, Microsoft automatically patches vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit. More significantly, your workflow is unaffected by these updates because they take place in the background and your systems remain protected from sophisticated threats.

End-of-life for Windows Server 2012

In October 2023, Windows Server 2012 will also no longer be supported by Microsoft. This presents significant risks for organisations still relying on this operating system. After this, Microsoft will no longer release security updates or patches for Windows Server 2012, leaving systems vulnerable to emerging threats and security breaches. This lack of support can lead to compliance issues, increased operational costs, and potential disruptions to critical business operations.

To mitigate these risks, we strongly recommend migrating to a newer and supported version of Windows Server, to ensure a secure and efficient IT infrastructure in the face of evolving cybersecurity challenges.

A stitch in time saves nine

If you follow the news, you’re probably aware of the upsurge in data breaches and cyberattacks. These attacks have targeted businesses of all sizes and industries. As a result, there is a greater acknowledgment of the importance of cybersecurity globally.

However, many organisations are still not taking adequate precautions to defend themselves. One of the biggest mistakes a business can make is presuming that its cybersecurity measures are sufficient. 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?

If you’ve read this far, then you must be determined to protect your organisation by ensuring that no outdated software or hardware is being used by your team. However, this can be a heavy lift without expert assistance. Fortunately, we’re here to help.

We can use our experience and skills to show you the right 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. If you’re interested, please reach out to us for a no-obligation consultation.

Speak to us about all your computer needs

This is Part of our Cyber Security awareness educational campaign. Through this training, you will learn awareness and key principles, and best practices to protect yourself, your organisation, and the public from cyber attackers. You will also be equipped with the knowledge to identify potential threats and take action before any damage can occur.