Technology changes rapidly. Tools that were once staples like Internet Explorer and Adobe Flash, get old and become obsolete. New tools replace them, but keeping discontinued technology on computers and networks leaves them vulnerable to attacks.
While older technology may still run fine that doesn’t mean it’s okay to use. One of the biggest dangers of using outdated technology is that it can lead to a data breach.
Outdated software and hardware no longer receive vital security updates. Such updates patch newly found and exploited system vulnerabilities. No security patches means a device is a sitting duck for malicious attack.
Approximately 1 in 3 data breaches are due to unpatched system vulnerabilities.
Another problem with using discontinued technology is that it can leave you behind. To your customers, your business can end up looking like you’re stuck in the technology stone age and they can lose faith and trust in your business’ ability to get the job done for them.
Important reasons to keep your technology updated to current and supported versions are:
- Reduce the risk of a data breach or malware infection
- Meet data privacy compliance requirements
- To generate and keep a good reputation and customer trust
- To be competitive
- To mitigate hardware and software compatibility issues
- To support and enhance employee productivity
Older systems are clunky and get in the way of employee productivity. If you keep these older systems in use, the end result can be that good team members leave your business to go and work elsewhere.
49% of surveyed workers say they would consider leaving their jobs due to poor technology.
Following is a list of outdated technology tools that you should replace as soon as possible. Are any of these still in use on your home computer or within your business?
If You’re Still Using It, Get Rid of This Tech ASAP
Internet Explorer
Some time ago, Internet Explorer (IE) was the number one browser in the world. But gradually, Google Chrome and other browsers edged it out, including its replacement: Microsoft Edge.
Microsoft began phasing out IE with the introduction of Microsoft Edge in 2015. In recent years, fewer applications have been supporting use in IE. The browser loses all support beginning on June 15, 2022.
Adobe Flash
Millions of websites used Adobe Flash in the early 2000s. But other tools can now do the animations and other neat things Flash could do. This made the tool obsolete, and Adobe dropped support for it.
The Adobe Flash Player lost all support, including security updates, as of January 1, 2021. Do you still have this lingering on any of your computers? If so, you should uninstall the browser plugin and any Flash software.
Windows 7 and Earlier
Windows 7 was a very popular operating system, but it’s now gone the way of the dinosaur. Replacements, Windows 10 and Windows 11 are now in widespread use. Windows 7 lost support on January 14, 2020.
While it may still technically run, it’s very vulnerable to hacks. Microsoft Windows operating systems are high-value targets for hackers. So, you can be sure they are out there looking for systems still running this obsolete version of Windows.
macOS 10.14 Mojave and Earlier
Because of the cost of iMacs and MacBooks, people tend to hang onto them as long as possible. Once these devices get to a certain age, updates no longer install on them. This leaves the hardware stuck on an older and unsupported macOS version.
If you are running macOS 10.14 Mojave or earlier, then your OS is no longer supported by Apple, and you really should consider an upgrade.
Oracle 18c Database
If your business uses Oracle databases, then you may want to check what version you’re running currently. If you are running the Oracle 18C Database, then you are vulnerable. Breaches can easily happen due to unpatched system vulnerabilities.
The Oracle 18C Database lost all support in June of 2021. If you’ve upgraded, then you’ll want to keep an eye out for another upcoming end-of-support date. Both Oracle 19C and 21C will lose premier support in April of 2024.
Microsoft SQL Server 2014
Another popular database tool is Microsoft’s SQL. If you are using SQL Server 2014, then mainstream support has already ended. And in July of 2024, all support, including security updates will stop.
This gives you a little more time to upgrade before you’re in danger of not getting security patches. But it is better to upgrade sooner rather than later. This leaves plenty of time for testing and verification of the upgrade.
Get Help Upgrading Your Technology & Reducing Risk
Upgrades can be scary, especially if everything has been running great. You may be afraid that a migration or upgrade will cause issues. We can help you upgrade your technology smoothly and do thorough testing afterward. Schedule a technology with us review today.
Article used with permission from The Technology Press.