End-Of-Life Software: Assessing the Risks and Exploring Solutions

Holding onto outdated software for an extended time can cause various issues for your business. Outdated functionalities that cause instability, security concerns, and lack of support are some reasons that will make your old software attract risks. This blog will help you understand end-of-life (EOL) software better and tell you how to mitigate the risks that will affect your growth.

Proactive thinking is a quintessential quality that will make you more successful than the ordinary. While it may seem tempting to ignore end-of-life (EOL) timelines and save money in the short term, doing so can lead to more risks than you realize. To comprehend the reasons behind this, it is necessary to examine the definition of EOL software and the normal course of action for any software during its lifecycle.

What is EOL/End-of-Life Software??

Software that is no longer supported by its manufacturer or vendor is referred to as end-of-life (EOL) software. This situation arises when the product is too old and lacks the potential to adapt to newer trends. Usually, software that is at its end-of-life does not get security updates or fixes for bugs. As a result, it can become more susceptible to security threats as time goes by.

The lifecycle of EOL software typically goes through several stages. These stages are as follows:

1. Introduction: The software is first introduced and made available for purchase or download.
2. Active Support: During this stage, the software is fully supported by the manufacturer or vendor, with regular updates, security patches, and bug fixes.
3. Extended Support: Once the active support period for the software is over, there may be a period of extended support. During this time, the manufacturer or vendor will still offer some support and security updates for a limited amount of time.
4. End of Life: Once the?extended support period?ends, the software reaches its EOL, and the manufacturer or vendor will no longer provide any support or updates for the product.

EOL Software examples still in use

Even though they are no longer updated by their creators, several prominent organizations still use older versions of certain software products. Below are some examples of widely-used software solutions that remain functional in various parts of the globe.

Firefox:

You may already be familiar with this reliable cross-platform web browser. It's highly customizable and offers unique features that keep users coming back for its smooth performance. Despite being discontinued over five years ago (in 2017), it still maintains a strong user base.

Microsoft Office 2003:

Although Microsoft stopped providing support for Office 2003 in 2013, it remains a popular choice due to its user-friendly interface and reliable performance.

Adobe Flash:

There is a multimedia platform that was discontinued in 2020, but is still useful for creating interactive web content. It is well-liked by gamers who continue to play flash-based games and watch videos.

Windows XP:

Even after being released one and a half decades ago, Windows XP remains relevant due to its simple user interface and low hardware requirements. It is considered a reliable and stable operating system compared to others.

Signs your software is reaching EOL

Now that you understand what EOL software entails, it's important to evaluate the state of your software. There are various indicators that your software may be approaching its EOL.

1. Lack of updates: One of the most obvious signs that your software is reaching EOL is a lack of updates. If your software vendor has stopped releasing updates or has announced that they will no longer be supporting the software, it may be a sign that the software is reaching its EOL.
2. Compatibility issues: As software evolves, new hardware and software may become incompatible with older versions of software. If you're experiencing issues with your software, it could be an indication that it has reached its End of Life (EOL).
3. Security vulnerabilities: Once a?software product?reaches its EOL, it will no longer receive?security updates?or bug fixes, leaving it vulnerable to new and existing security threats. If you're facing security problems frequently with your software, it could indicate that the software has reached its end of life (EOL).
4. End-of-life announcements: Finally, if the software vendor has announced that they will be discontinuing support for the software, it is a clear sign that the software is reaching its EOL. Usually, software vendors give users a heads-up before announcing the end of life (EOL) of their software. This allows users to properly plan for any necessary upgrades or replacements.

Risks to be aware of while using EOL software

• Poor Performance reducing productivity: EOL software may lack the latest features and functionality, which can reduce productivity and hinder the ability to compete with other organizations.
• Costs you higher than normal: Continuing to use EOL software can lead to increased costs associated with maintaining and securing outdated systems, as well as potential costs associated with data breaches or other security incidents.
• Absence of Technical Support: Without technical support from the software vendor, resolving technical issues or fixing software bugs can become a difficult or even impossible task. As a result, downtime reduced productivity, and greater expenses related to troubleshooting and repairs may occur.
• Compliance issues: In many industries, using EOL software can result in non-compliance with industry regulations or legal requirements. Merchants are required to comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) by using supported software while processing credit card transactions.
• Data attack threats: When a software product reaches its end of life (EOL), it will no longer be updated with security fixes or bug patches. This makes it vulnerable to cyber threats from hackers and other malicious actors who can exploit these weaknesses to gain unauthorized access to systems, steal data, or launch attacks on other connected systems.

How to Manage the Risks of EOL Software

Managing the risks of EOL software can be challenging, but there are several steps that individuals and organizations can take to reduce the risks associated with using EOL software.

1. Identify and assess the risks: To manage the risks of EOL software, it's essential to first identify and assess the potential risks linked with the software. This involves conducting a risk assessment to determine the possible impact of security vulnerabilities, compliance issues, and other risks that come with using EOL software.
2. Develop a plan for upgrading or replacing the software: Once the risks have been identified and assessed, the next step is to develop a plan for upgrading or replacing the EOL software. This may involve upgrading to the latest version of the software, migrating to a new software solution, or implementing alternative security measures to mitigate the risks associated with using EOL software.
3. Implement compensating controls: In some cases, it may not be possible or practical to upgrade or replace EOL software immediately. In these situations, it may be necessary to implement compensating controls to reduce the risks associated with using EOL software. This can include implementing additional security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular vulnerability scanning and patching.
4. Monitor for vulnerabilities and threats: Regularly monitoring for security vulnerabilities and threats associated with end-of-life (EOL) software is crucial. This involves conducting vulnerability assessments and penetration testing regularly. Additionally, keeping an eye out for new security threats and vulnerabilities through threat intelligence sources and security bulletins is essential.
5. Establish policies and procedures: To effectively manage the risks of EOL software, it is important to establish policies and procedures for managing software throughout its lifecycle. This can include establishing procedures for identifying and assessing software risks, implementing software updates and patches, and regularly reviewing and updating software to ensure that it remains secure and compliant with industry regulations and legal requirements.
6. Train employees: Lastly, It is crucial to educate staff about the dangers of utilizing End-of-Life (EOL) software and how to handle such risks. This includes providing security training on industry best practices, such as safe browsing, password management, and recognizing and reporting potential security threats.??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

The Necessity of Modernization

Taking into account all of the points mentioned earlier, it is important to note that using EOL software can be risky, as it may have unaddressed weaknesses that could be targeted by cyber attackers and other harmful individuals. It is generally advised to upgrade to the most recent software version as soon as possible to ensure its security and functionality. Hence application modernization is a much-needed practice to be adopted into your software business.

Conclusion

Modernizing outdated software can be greatly beneficial as every product, be it hardware or software, has a particular lifetime after which it becomes inefficient or unnecessary. To effectively manage the risks associated with using EOL software and ensure that your systems remain secure and compliant with industry regulations and legal requirements, it is important to follow the steps discussed in this blog.