End of Life (EOL)

Your software is only as good as its last patch. Reaching End of Life (EoL) or End of Service (EoS) means critical patches and updates are no longer available, leaving you vulnerable to various problems. Some make the mistake of not rushing to upgrade the software because it is still functional. However, outdated software can lead to security risks, data loss, compliance issues and more. In this blog, we will discuss the primary implications of running outdated software and explain why it’s crucial to take action when your software reaches EoL or EoS. Implications of using outdated software The implications of running outdated software can be divided into three categories: Security implications Using outdated software can have severe security implications, such as: You no longer receive security patches from the vendor, leaving your system vulnerable to known exploits. Threat actors may have already reverse-engineered the software and developed exploit code, making it easier for them to compromise your system. Running outdated software may cause compatibility issues with other software and hardware, leading to data loss or corruption. Using outdated software may violate your organization’s security policies, hindering a secure future and operational excellence. Privacy implications Privacy implications of using outdated software can be severe. If the software is no longer supported by its vendor and contains sensitive information, you could be at risk of receiving a data privacy fine. For example, in the United States, the Federal Trade Commission is taking action against Chegg Inc. for failing to patch vulnerabilities that exposed sensitive information about millions of its customers and employees, such as Social Security numbers, email addresses and passwords. Chegg allegedly couldn’t address problems despite four security breaches over a five-year period. According to the FTC’s proposed order, the company must immediately address vulnerabilities and take additional steps, such as limiting the amount of data it can collect and retain, providing users with multifactor authentication to secure their accounts, and allowing users to access and delete their data.* Productivity implications Outdated software can have severe productivity implications for a business. For example, if the software runs slowly, crashes frequently or is otherwise difficult to use, it can frustrate employees and disrupt workflows. This can, in turn, lead to a poor customer experience, damaging a company’s reputation and bottom line. Therefore, it is important to keep software up to date to avoid these problems. Collaborate for success You’ve already taken the first step toward securing your company by recognizing the dangers of using outdated software. However, mitigating the above implications may be a heavy lift for you since you’ll have to set aside extra time and effort while running an organization. Partnering with an IT service provider like us can ease your worry. To protect your business, we can help you identify outdated software and hardware. We can keep you up to date on the latest security threats and how to mitigate them. We can also update your systems to the latest versions to ensure the best possible protection. For a consultation, feel free to contact us. You can learn more by downloading our infographic “What Does End of Support Mean for Your Business?”.   Source: * www.ftc.gov

We are all aware of the term “use by date.” It is regularly used when talking about food and medications and refers to the date after which the product is no longer safe to consume. However, did you know that your software and hardware can expire too? This is because technology is constantly evolving and advancing. What was once cutting-edge can become obsolete in the blink of an eye. While many people may not think twice about using outdated technology, it has security and privacy implications for your business. Obsolete technology is often less secure than newer versions because it doesn’t receive modern security features or patches from the manufacturer’s support team. This can leave your device and your data less impervious to attacks. Plus, outdated technology may not be compliant with current privacy regulations, meaning your data could be at risk. So, what does this mean for you and your organization? Staying up to date with the latest software programs and hardware is crucial. To protect your business from the downfall of outdated technology, you need a plan for when your systems reach their expiration date. End-of-support for Office 2013 In April 2023, Office 2013 will no longer be supported by Microsoft. This lack of support means you will not receive any technical assistance, bug fixes or security updates from Microsoft to cover any potential vulnerabilities. Even if all your Office 2013 apps continue to function after the specified time, you run the risk of being exposed to security vulnerabilities such as malware, phishing, ransomware and data theft. To keep your business safe, the best option is to migrate to Microsoft 365. As a cloud-based service, it can increase employee productivity and collaboration without the risk of using unsupported software. In its subscription-based model, Microsoft automatically patches vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit. More significantly, your workflow is unaffected by these updates because they take place in the background and your systems remain protected from sophisticated threats. End-of-support for Windows 10 After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. At this point technical assistance and software updates will no longer be provided. If you have devices running Windows 10, we recommend upgrading them to a more current, in-service, and supported Windows release. If devices do not meet the technical requirements to run a more current release of Windows, we recommend that you replace the device with one that supports Windows 11. Much like with Office 2013 end-of-support, after October 2025 you will be at risk for security vulnerabilities if Windows 10 is not updated. A stitch in time saves nine If you follow the news, you’re probably aware of the upsurge in data breaches and cyberattacks. These attacks have targeted businesses of all sizes and industries. As a result, there is a greater acknowledgment of the importance of cybersecurity globally. However, many organizations are still not taking adequate precautions to defend themselves. One of the biggest mistakes a business can make is presuming that its cybersecurity measures are sufficient. Nothing could be further from the truth than this misconception. Investing in supported technologies is one of the most advantageous ways to protect your business. Supported technologies have routine internal security measures in place, and their support teams create and release updates and patches to make the product more secure and helpful. In the event of a data breach or cyberattack, supported technologies will also have a team of experts who can assist you in recovering from the incident. Always remember that prevention is better than cure. Need help? If you’ve read this far, then you must be determined to protect your organization by ensuring that no outdated software or hardware is being used by your team. However, this can be a heavy lift without expert assistance. Fortunately, we’re here to help. We can use our experience and skills to show you the right way to secure your business and provide you with the necessary tools so you won’t be caught off guard by outdated software or hardware. If you’re interested, please reach out to us for a no-obligation consultation. In addition, to help you learn more, download our infographic “What Does End of Support Mean for Your Business?” by clicking here.   *updated April 2025 to include Windows 10 EOL

It’s crucial to keep all software and hardware up to date to maintain optimal security. If you don’t, cybercriminals can easily infiltrate your network and the chances for downtime increase significantly. However, many businesses don’t realize that expired software/hardware can actually be one of the most prominent security risks hindering their success. If you are among those who continue to use unsupported software and hardware until it literally doesn’t work anymore, remember that it could be a severe hurdle to your organization’s daily operations and reputation. We know there are many myths surrounding End of Service or End of Life that create a great deal of confusion for businesses like yours. This blog is intended to help you clear things up. Debunking the myths Without further ado, let’s debunk the most popular myths. Myth #1: If it’s not broken, don’t fix (or replace) it The adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is popular, but it would not be wise to follow it when it comes to software and hardware. The truth is that if you fail to update your software and hardware when the time comes, you expose your network to security vulnerabilities, bugs and other issues. There are several reasons to keep your software and hardware up to date. Newer software and hardware versions are usually more stable and less prone to crashes and bugs. Moreover, new updates frequently include security patches that keep you safe from cyberattacks. Finally, updates may include new features and enhancements that can make your life easier. Next time you’re tempted to skip an update, remember you could be kickstarting a chain of events that’s not good for your organization. Myth #2: End of Life means the product will no longer exist Although the product will still be available, it will no longer receive security updates, new features or tech support from the manufacturer. This means that it will become increasingly vulnerable to security risks and may be unable to keep up with your workload. It also implies your IT team will find it harder to keep your IT network and devices secure from cyberthreats. If you’re using a piece of hardware or software that has reached the end of its life cycle, you should consider upgrading to a newer model or investing in a new software license. Myth #3: End of Service means I can still use the product until it breaks While the software or hardware might still physically work, being in End-of-Life and End-of-Service state means there’s no longer a team of people working to not only improve the product but also look after, communicate, create and release patches should a new security vulnerability arise. This could leave you prone to attacks, as well as unable to use new features and capabilities that are released. Knowing the End-of-Service dates for your software and hardware can help you plan ahead and ensure you’re not left in the dark when support ends. Join hands for success It’s probably your top priority to keep your software/hardware up to date so your business doesn’t suffer avoidable consequences. However, it can be too much to handle if you try to do it alone. This is where an IT service provider can be of assistance. We can support you by offering vital guidance and expertise so you can decide what steps to take to keep your IT systems running smoothly and securely. If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to reach out for a consultation. You can also dive deeper into this topic by downloading our checklist, “How Technology Reaching End of Service Can Impact Your Business,” by clicking here.

When a software or hardware product reaches its End of Life (EoL) or End of Service (EoS), it’s no longer supported by the manufacturer. This can be a cause of concern for organizations like yours because unsupported technologies have no routine internal security measures or support from the manufacturer. The good news is that there are steps you can take to mitigate the risks that come with EoL software/hardware and protect your business. Read on further to learn about them. Practical steps Although there may be a sufficiently large list of practical steps, the four most impactful ones are: Prioritize security Organizations need to prioritize security immediately after identifying EoL software/hardware. Work with a reputable vendor who can provide essential security protocols and tools to keep your data safe. Also, create a plan to keep any potential security risks at a minimum. This might include implementing additional security measures, such as two-factor authentication or increased monitoring of high-risk areas. By taking these precautions, you can ensure your organization’s data is protected against threats. Measure productivity As your software/hardware nears the end of its life, it’s crucial to measure its productivity so that your organization doesn’t suffer. Here are a few things you can do to minimize any negative impact on your organization: Keep track of the software/hardware performance. This will help you identify if any issues escalate. Ensure employees who use it are aware of its status. This will help them be more receptive if there are any problems. Have a contingency plan in case the software/hardware completely fails. This will help you avoid any major disruptions to your organization. Evaluate long-term needs When planning for the future, it’s critical to consider the long-term viability of your essential systems. What are your objectives, and which systems are crucial to achieving them? Evaluating the risks of using EoL systems is a vital step when deciding whether to upgrade. What are the consequences of continuing to use an outdated system? What are the chances the consequences will happen, and how severe would they be? Taking these factors into account can assist you in making the best decision for your organization, ensuring you have the right systems in place to support your goals. Test compatibility before migration The EoL date for a system can be months or years in the future; however, planning for the migration should begin well before that date. By doing so, you can avoid any disruptions that may occur during the migration process. Testing compatibility is one of the first steps in migrating to a new system. You must ensure all your data and applications can be transferred to the new system. Setting up a test environment and running some tests is the best way to accomplish this. Collaborate for success It must be clear by now that EoL/EoS software and hardware can pose several risks to your organization. Implementing all the practical steps listed above to avoid these risks can be overwhelming if you don’t have assistance. This is where an IT service provider like us can come in handy. We can help you protect your company from the dangers of EoL/EoS software and hardware. To learn more, feel free to contact us today. Meanwhile, you can go through our infographic “What Does End of Support Mean for Your Business?” which you can download by clicking here.