The Risks of Using Outdated Software and Why You Need the Best Virus Protection
With the fast-paced technology that we have, software lifespan tends to get shorter. When it cannot be sustained anymore by updates and upgrades, software becomes outdated. This presents some problems to users. Outdated software does not have the ability to work or integrate with new applications and it may not run properly on new devices.
Because of this, using outdated software can be risky. If any vulnerability is found, the software can easily fall prey to these cyber-attacks as it doesn’t have patches for these loopholes. Thus, using up-to-date software along with the best virus protection can reduce the chances of security issues.
Security Lapses
As various types of software continues to advance, cybercriminals also seek for ways on how to penetrate and compromise your system. Malwares such as Trojan horses, adware, and spyware get more and more sophisticated, and cybercriminals devise plans on how to exploit the weaknesses of your software. This results in security lapses as outdated software cannot withstand an emerging attack.
If your outdated software is responsible for the use, storage, or application of data, your files become at risk. Your system will also be susceptible to ransomware attacks and data breaches. Outdated software opens the door for attackers to access your system without your authorization.
Having security lapses on your computer system can be a big issue especially if you are running an organization. Failing to comply with data protection regulations such as the GDPR could be viewed as negligence and you may be liable for the costs of the damages incurred by customers because of a cyber-attack. If you have outdated software and you suffer an IT incident, you can lose the trust of your customers as well as a huge amount of money.
System Failure
Outdated software can also cause your system to fail. Since the vendor won’t be releasing any patches for outdated software, newly created bugs and viruses will not be resolved or addressed. Aside from this, out-of-date software may not be compatible with newer operating systems.
System failures can cause downtime or disruptions. If a device stops functioning or becomes infected by a virus, it can affect your business processes. Until you can get the outdated software to work, your business will be at a standstill, and you may lose customers.
What to do next?
To avoid all these problems, it is important to keep your software updated. Program patches or updates can occur automatically in the background or manually – depending on your settings. It would be best to regularly check for updates and make sure that you download them. Software updates can help you patch vulnerabilities and guard you against existing and emerging threats.
One of the software that you need to update on a regular basis is your operating system. Products such as Microsoft Windows have a set life cycle, and its manufacturer only supports a certain OS for a definite time. If you are a Microsoft user, you should know the key dates of software life cycle so you can plan when to update, upgrade, or make changes to your operating system. Oftentimes, manufacturers offer technical support, security updates, service packs, and technical enhancements to their products during its life cycle. However, when an OS reaches its “end-of-life”, the manufacturers stop creating security patches making you an easy target for hackers.
When this happens, you need to replace your obsolete operating system. Desktop PCs running Windows XP and Vista have already reached its end-of-life. Windows 7 will also follow suit early next year. If you are using any of them, it is ideal to go for an upgrade. You can opt for the latest version of Windows or you can try Linux or Mac. Before making a switch, make sure that you have your data backed up and you have checked if the OS is compatible to your system. By doing this, you can minimize the chances of data loss, business disruption, and a rough upgrade experience.
Lastly, do not forget to add extra layers of defense. Putting security solutions in your computer can further secure your organization. The best virus protection will serve as your security gateway, monitoring and managing traffic on the network.
Comodo Internet Security provides strong defenses against various malware infections. It features antivirus protection that hunts down malware hiding in your devices, Defense+ that blocks malware from installing, and memory firewall that protects devices against overflow attacks. Comodo also offers certificate-based whitelisting, a combination of VirusScope behavior analysis and human analysis to deliver a verdict for suspicious files.
