The Hidden Danger of End-of-Life Software

Why Keeping Everything Updated is Crucial for Business Security

Businesses are constantly faced with the challenge of ensuring their software and systems remain up to date. While software updates might sometimes feel like a hassle, failing to keep your systems current can expose your business to serious security risks. One of the most significant but often overlooked threats is the use of end-of-life (EOL) software—programmes that are no longer supported by their developers.?

In a recent webinar, we highlighted the growing threat of cyberattacks targeting EOL software. We’ll explore why using outdated software is such a pressing issue, how criminals exploit these vulnerabilities, and, most importantly, how businesses can protect themselves.

What is End-of-Life Software?

Every piece of software goes through a lifecycle: it’s developed, maintained, and eventually reaches the “end-of-life” (EOL) stage. When software hits EOL, the vendor stops offering updates, patches, or technical support. While this may not seem like a problem in the short term, it becomes a significant security issue as time goes on.?

Once a piece of software reaches EOL, it no longer receives security updates to address newly discovered vulnerabilities. Any weaknesses that hackers discover after the software’s EOL date are left unpatched, leaving businesses exposed. The longer a business continues using unsupported software, the greater the risk of an attack.

Why EOL Software is a Growing Target for Cybercriminals

Cybercriminals are well aware of the vulnerabilities posed by EOL software, and they’re actively seeking businesses that are still running outdated systems. Hackers target these systems because they know that there’s little to no chance of finding a fix for any weaknesses in the unsupported software.?

One of the most concerning ways that criminals exploit EOL software is by using zero-day vulnerabilities—flaws that are not yet known to the public or the software vendor. Because EOL software no longer receives updates, businesses running these programmes are left unprotected against these unknown threats.?

Ransomware and other types of malicious attacks often target outdated systems, highlighting the dangers of using unsupported software. A successful attack can cause severe damage, including stolen data, financial losses, and long-term damage to a company’s reputation.?

According to a 2023 report by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), over 60% of cyberattacks targeting businesses in Europe exploited known vulnerabilities in unsupported software. This makes them a prime target for cybercriminals, as security flaws in these systems remain unpatched, leaving them vulnerable to attacks such as ransomware, data breaches, and system takeovers.

The Risks of Using Outdated Software

The risks associated with continuing to use EOL software are significant. Hackers actively look for these outdated systems because they are vulnerable and easy to compromise. Once inside, criminals can steal sensitive information or disrupt business operations, sometimes demanding ransom to restore access.?

Another serious concern is compliance. Many industries have strict regulations around data protection, and businesses using unsupported software may struggle to meet these compliance requirements. If a breach occurs due to the use of outdated software, the company could face heavy fines and penalties.?

Using EOL software can also result in operational disruptions. Attacks on unsupported systems often cause downtime, which can be devastating for businesses. This disruption leads to lost productivity, customer dissatisfaction, and, in many cases, lost revenue. The longer a business remains unaware of the risks posed by EOL software, the more likely it is to face these types of issues.?

A report from the Ponemon Institute in 2023 found that the average cost of a data breach for organisations using outdated or unsupported software was $4.45 million. The same report highlighted that companies who suffered breaches due to vulnerabilities in unsupported software saw an average of 8.3 days of downtime, resulting in significant loss of productivity and revenue.

Protecting Your Business from the Risks of EOL Software

When software reaches its EOL, it’s essential to either upgrade to a newer version or replace it with a suitable alternative. Upgrading ensures that you continue to receive the latest security updates, protecting your business from newly discovered threats. In some cases, replacing the software may be the best option if an upgrade isn’t feasible or if the software no longer meets your needs.?

Even if a business can’t immediately replace every piece of EOL software, implementing additional security measures is vital. Firewalls, anti-malware software, and intrusion detection systems provide extra layers of protection, helping to secure systems in the short term while working on longer-term solutions.?

Developing a robust software lifecycle management strategy is another key defence against the risks of outdated software. This strategy helps ensure that all systems are reviewed regularly, and updates or replacements are made before vulnerabilities can be exploited. Automated tools can be particularly helpful in tracking software lifecycles and alerting when systems are approaching their EOL.?

In a 2022 study by Gartner, 75% of organisations that conducted regular software audits and lifecycle management were able to reduce their security incidents by 30% or more. Additionally, businesses that updated software before EOL dates were 40% less likely to experience a data breach compared to those that waited until after the software reached its end of life.?

For businesses that lack the time or expertise to manage software updates effectively, working with an IT services management company can be invaluable. Keba Computers specialises in helping businesses stay on top of software updates, ensuring that systems are always up-to-date and protected against emerging security threats.

Protecting Your Future

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, relying on EOL software is no longer a risk that can be ignored. The longer businesses delay addressing the issue of outdated software, the more exposed they become to potential attacks. However, by taking proactive steps to regularly audit software, upgrade or replace unsupported systems, and implement additional security measures, businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyberattacks.?

A 2021 study by the IT Service Management Forum (ITSMF) found that companies who partnered with managed IT service providers experienced 50% fewer cyberattacks due to more effective software updates, better patch management, and proactive monitoring. Additionally, businesses that invested in professional IT services saw a 33% reduction in IT-related downtime and an average of 22% savings in overall operational costs.

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At Keba Computers, we understand the importance of keeping your IT systems up-to-date and secure. Our IT managed services solutions include helping business navigate the complexities of software updates, ensuring that your systems are always running on the latest, most secure versions of software. With the right approach, your business can stay ahead of emerging threats and maintain a strong, secure IT infrastructure.