Both large and small companies face a common cybersecurity challenge: outdated operating systems on their computers. This problem may arise because staff members use these devices only occasionally, or the company may be running customized software that doesn't work with newer operating system versions.
The issue with outdated operating systems is that they become vulnerable to cyberattacks. When a developer retires an operating system, it means that it is no longer supported, and there are no more feature updates or security patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities. Recently, Windows 8.1 lost all support, and Microsoft warned companies that continuing to use it after the retirement date could increase their exposure to security risks or impact their ability to meet compliance obligations. Although an outdated operating system will technically still work, it is less safe due to the loss of support. Your system will no longer receive security patches, leaving it vulnerable to hackers. Options for upgrading include Windows 10 or 11, but if your computer is running such an old operating system, there is a chance it may not meet the requirements for one or both. In this case, you may need to buy a new device altogether. If you don't upgrade, your data security is at risk, and any vulnerabilities will remain unpatched. This leaves your system highly vulnerable to a breach, and one hacked system on a network can cause the breach or malware infection to spread to newer devices. You may also face compliance issues if you have to comply with a data privacy regulation. Using outdated technology can also hurt productivity, slow down systems, and cause frustration for employees. Staff dealing with outmoded systems may quit, and outdated operating systems can cause problems with bugs that will no longer get fixed. Incompatibility with newer software and hardware can also hurt your business and make you less competitive. If you need help upgrading to a new operating system, we can assist you in finding the best value for your needs. Give us a call today to schedule a chat about upgrades and your security. Comments are closed.
|
AuthorJim Schmidt Archives
May 2024
Categories
All
|