Outdated Technology Leads to Security Risks
Most businesses use a technology foundation to protect their data, communicate with employees and customers, and just do their jobs. However, technology constantly evolves, and we know that keeping up with the latest updates can be challenging and time-consuming.
There are a few foundational updates people should remember:
- Software should be updated on a regular, rolling basis
- Hardware and devices older than five years should be considered for replacement
- Both software and hardware should be evaluated periodically if it is still the best fit
It’s understandable that people might want to keep using outdated hardware and software. It can feel like saving money and avoiding hassle. But this ultimately endangers the business: outdated technology exposes the business to risks.
Security Breaches
One of the most serious risks of using old equipment is security breaches. They have the potential to be devastating and deeply affect work.
Old hardware or software are much more likely to have vulnerabilities that threat actors can exploit to gain access to networks, data, business operations. As one example, if someone is still using Windows 7, which Microsoft stopped supporting in 2020, they don’t receive security patches and updates. Their system is more prone to malware and ransomware attacks.
There are many other ways, like outdated plugins or an older version of an application, that these vulnerabilities exist.
If a business is attacked, it could result in compromised confidential information or damaged or lost files. In a worst-case scenario, they could force an organization to pay ransom to regain access to their own system. Financial losses, legal troubles, or reputational damage would follow.
Other Drawbacks
Worse Performance
Outdated systems often cause performance issues because they can be incompatible with the latest technologies and standards. There could be outdated specs, missing features, incompatible or unsupported formats, and security vulnerabilities.
If unchecked, these issues can also cause delays, errors, or crashes. Businesses need to avoid disruptions to the workflow and prevent frustration for their employees. Easier systems make easier workloads.
Compatibility Problems
Outdated hardware or software is not guaranteed to work well with newer devices and applications. Especially without uniformity across devices, compatibility issues greatly limit a business’ functionality.
If someone is using an old web browser that doesn’t support the latest web standards, they may not be able to access websites or view them properly. This is just one example of outdated software bars someone from using the best tools, features, or services available.
Discrepancies in compatibility could also make coordinating impossible between teammates, such as one team member with access to something another cannot see.
The Benefits
There are many benefits of replacing old hardware and software in a business: most importantly, it is a necessary part of upkeep. It isn’t something to put off, because not doing so could have wide sweeping consequences.
Upgrading software improves security posture and provides a better experience. New hardware has stronger protection against cyber-attacks, system failures, and legal issues.
Don’t let old hardware or software hold you back.
Start a ticket, email [email protected], or call us to collaborate on how to best update your systems.