End-of-Life technology is technology that has reached the date when a vendor stops delivering standard support services for a particular product. Traditionally, this includes voice and online support, hardware and software updates, security patches and feature updates. By using end-of-life (EOL) technologies, you’re putting your data and business at risk. Today we are going to look at the areas that are vulnerable if you’re running EOL technology, how to avoid putting yourself at risk, and how Mnemonix can assist with keeping your technology secure.
Risks of Using End-of-Life Technology
1. Security and operating systems
a. With EOL technology – patches, bug fixes and security updates are no longer released. As a result, your product’s security becomes a risk. Because the technology has reached EOL, there is no longer a quick fix for any issues that may come up. Vendors will no longer offer support or security patches if widespread issues come up. Using Microsoft as an example, PCs running the operating system Windows 7 or older are vulnerable to attacks and being compromised because there are no more security patches being released for them.
b. Operating on a day-to-day basis with EOL technology allows hackers easy access to infiltrate networks, compromise your business, and steal your data. The impact from unsecured hardware and software can be monumental and may include: costly data loss, exposure of business and personal data, ransomware attacks and more.
2. Hardware support and maintenance risk
a. While some vendors may offer extended support and maintenance for older technology, relying on aging technology means added expenses. Failing to purchase extended support for hardware can make repairing or upgrading your existing hardware more expensive than it needs to be. If EOL technologies are used for too long, it becomes difficult or in some cases, impossible, to find replacement parts. Hardware that has reached EOL may also become incompatible with new software leading to disruption in day-to-day work in the long run.
3. Legal and regulatory risk
a. Companies relying on obsolete hardware and software may face heavy fines and even legal action if they don’t comply with government or industry regulations. If your business were to be breached, or hit with ransomware, and you are using EOL technologies, insurance will not help with covering the cost of restoration. This can be extremely detrimental to the business as some ransomware recoveries cost upwards of millions of dollars.
4. Reliability and financial risks
a. Outdated machines are prone to failure or incompatibility issues. Keeping your technologies up to date with supported hardware and software will ensure that if any issues come up, you will have a support team ready to assist. With EOL technologies, if your product presents issues, it may cost a significant amount to have the issue resolved if it can be resolved at all. In short, EOL technologies can end up costing your business a considerable amount of money and major losses in productivity.
In summary, EOL technology poses a huge risk to you and your business. If a device is out of support and begins causing issues or stops working properly, it may be difficult to correct the issue without the support of a vendor. It is important to know if you have devices that are out of support in your business. Mnemonix is happy to assist if provided the proper information to do so. If you have any questions regarding your technology and its end-of-life cycle, or any other questions, please reach out to Mnemonix.
Risks of Using End-of-Life Technology
1. Security and operating systems
a. With EOL technology – patches, bug fixes and security updates are no longer released. As a result, your product’s security becomes a risk. Because the technology has reached EOL, there is no longer a quick fix for any issues that may come up. Vendors will no longer offer support or security patches if widespread issues come up. Using Microsoft as an example, PCs running the operating system Windows 7 or older are vulnerable to attacks and being compromised because there are no more security patches being released for them.
b. Operating on a day-to-day basis with EOL technology allows hackers easy access to infiltrate networks, compromise your business, and steal your data. The impact from unsecured hardware and software can be monumental and may include: costly data loss, exposure of business and personal data, ransomware attacks and more.
2. Hardware support and maintenance risk
a. While some vendors may offer extended support and maintenance for older technology, relying on aging technology means added expenses. Failing to purchase extended support for hardware can make repairing or upgrading your existing hardware more expensive than it needs to be. If EOL technologies are used for too long, it becomes difficult or in some cases, impossible, to find replacement parts. Hardware that has reached EOL may also become incompatible with new software leading to disruption in day-to-day work in the long run.
3. Legal and regulatory risk
a. Companies relying on obsolete hardware and software may face heavy fines and even legal action if they don’t comply with government or industry regulations. If your business were to be breached, or hit with ransomware, and you are using EOL technologies, insurance will not help with covering the cost of restoration. This can be extremely detrimental to the business as some ransomware recoveries cost upwards of millions of dollars.
4. Reliability and financial risks
a. Outdated machines are prone to failure or incompatibility issues. Keeping your technologies up to date with supported hardware and software will ensure that if any issues come up, you will have a support team ready to assist. With EOL technologies, if your product presents issues, it may cost a significant amount to have the issue resolved if it can be resolved at all. In short, EOL technologies can end up costing your business a considerable amount of money and major losses in productivity.
In summary, EOL technology poses a huge risk to you and your business. If a device is out of support and begins causing issues or stops working properly, it may be difficult to correct the issue without the support of a vendor. It is important to know if you have devices that are out of support in your business. Mnemonix is happy to assist if provided the proper information to do so. If you have any questions regarding your technology and its end-of-life cycle, or any other questions, please reach out to Mnemonix.