The expression “best by date” is one that all of us are familiar with. It is a term that is frequently used when talking about food and medications, and it refers to the date that the item is no longer considered safe for consumption after it has passed. However, did you know that your software and hardware can also become obsolete over time?
This is the case as a direct result of the ongoing progression and improvement of technology. A technology that was once considered cutting-edge may become outdated in the blink of an eye.
Even though a lot of people probably won’t give it a second thought to use outdated technology, your company could be putting its safety and privacy at risk by doing so. Outdated technology typically has a lower level of security compared to more recent versions because the support team for the manufacturer no longer updates it with the most recent security features and patches. Your data and devices may become more vulnerable to attack as a result of this. In addition, utilizing outdated technology may put your data at risk because it may not be in compliance with current privacy regulations.
In what ways does this affect you personally and how does it affect your organization? It is absolutely necessary to keep the hardware and software up to date at all times. It is essential to have a strategy in place for managing when the lifespan of your systems is coming to an end in order to safeguard your company from the catastrophic effects of outdated technology.
There’s an old proverb that says “a stitch in time saves nine.”
If you keep up with current events, you are probably already aware of the rise in the number of data breaches and cyberattacks. These attacks have targeted organizations ranging in size and scope across a variety of industries. As a direct consequence of this, there has been an increase in the recognition of the significance of cybersecurity across the globe.
In spite of this, a significant number of organizations continue to defend themselves with insufficient precautions. The assumption that a company’s existing security precautions are sufficient is among the most dangerous mistakes it can make. This misperception could not be further from the truth.
One of the most effective ways to protect a company’s interests is to make investments in technologies that are supported. Technologies that are supported by their respective companies have regular internal security measures installed, and the support teams for those companies create and distribute product-improving updates and patches.
In the event that your data is compromised or you are the victim of a cyberattack, the technologies that are supported will also give you access to a team of experts who will assist you in recovering from the incident.
Always remember that prevention is better than treatment.
Support for Microsoft Office 2013 will soon End
Microsoft has revealed that it will end support for Office 2013 on January 1, 2023, and has made the announcement public. Microsoft will not provide you with any kind of technical support, bug fixes, or security updates in order to close any potential loopholes that may be present in their software because they do not provide support.
Even if all of the Office 2013 applications continue to function after the date in question, you still run the risk of being vulnerable to security threats such as malware, phishing, ransomware, and data theft. This risk exists even if the date in question has passed.
Microsoft 365 is the best solution for protecting your company and ensuring its continued success, and it is the option that you should go with. As a cloud-based service, it can boost employee productivity and collaboration without putting employees at risk by requiring them to use software that isn’t supported by the company. This can result in increased productivity and improved collaboration. This creates additional opportunities for companies to pursue. Microsoft employs a model that is based on subscriptions, and one component of this model is the automatic patching of vulnerabilities that can be exploited. Because these updates are performed in the background, there will be no disruption to your workflow as a result of their implementation, and your systems will continue to be protected from complex threats. In addition, this will ensure that your systems continue to be protected from complex threats.
Want to make the change?
If you’ve reached this point, you must be determined to protect your organization by ensuring that your team uses no outdated software or hardware. Without professional assistance, this can be a difficult task. Fortunately, we are here to assist you.
We can use our expertise and experience to show you the best way to secure your business and provide you with the necessary tools so that you won’t be surprised by obsolete software or hardware. If interested, please contact us for an obligation-free consultation.
Download our infographic “What Does End of Support Mean for Your Business?” by clicking here for more information.
