Outdated software and operating systems can leave your business vulnerable to cyberattacks, with potentially devastating consequences. Discover the risks they pose, and find out how to mitigate them to strengthen your business’s cybersecurity.
Why do businesses use outdated software and operating systems?
Many UK businesses are still using outdated software and operating systems. According to recent research, over 70% of the software used by Fortune 500 companies is over 20 years old. Recent government data reveals that over one-quarter of digital systems in central government departments are outdated, with some areas reporting figures as high as 70%. This universal lack of modernity across software and operating systems could be explained by several factors:
- Many businesses don’t realise that their systems are out-of-date until problems arise, such as inefficient internal processes or cyber attacks
- Higher upgrade costs can mean that smaller businesses and businesses with a limited budget prioritise investing elsewhere
- Businesses may be reliant on external vendors/timelines to complete essential updates
Whatever the reason, the impact of outdated systems remains the same, leaving businesses at risk.
5 ways outdated software and operating systems put your business at risk
Outdated software and operating systems can leave your business vulnerable to attacks, inefficiencies and a damaged reputation. Here are just five of the ways outdated systems can weaken your cybersecurity:
1. Ransomware vulnerabilities
Systems that have not been updated are often vulnerable to exploitation by attackers. Outdated systems often contain vulnerabilities that have been patched in newer versions, but are easily identified in older, weaker systems. Cyberattackers are well-versed in targeting these vulnerabilities to deliver ransomware. End-of-life software is particularly vulnerable to these types of attacks, as this software no longer receives essential security upgrades that can defend against evolving ransomware techniques. Outdated platforms can also rely on unsupported applications and insecure configurations, providing yet another avenue for ransomware to target.
2. Third-party breaches
Internal software and systems are not the only way cyber threats can target your business. Attackers can exploit the weaker security of any third-party vendors your business uses, infiltrating their systems before completing a lateral movement attack to target your organisation’s network. You may grant third parties elevated access or integration rights to your system, which can be hijacked by attackers to deploy ransomware. Once compromised, software or services can be unintentionally distributed across your network of clients, causing widespread damage.
3. Business disruption and inefficiency
Outdated systems not only increase cybersecurity risks but also contribute to wider business inefficiencies and disruptions. Vulnerabilities in legacy software can be exploited by attackers, causing system outages and downtime. Urgently responding to these incidents when an attack occurs diverts IT and security teams from their regular tasks, reducing productivity. These disruptions often impact partners and customers, with the potential to damage their trust in your business’s reliability.
4. IOT (Internet of Things) Risk
Outdated software and operating systems on Internet of Things devices expose critical vulnerabilities, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. Weak default passwords and outdated firmware further ease attackers’ access to internal systems. IoT devices often operate beyond traditional IT oversight, limiting a business’s ability to detect and respond to threats. Each connected IoT device expands the network’s attack surface. More entry points provide greater opportunities for ransomware to infiltrate and spread laterally across systems, with the potential to compromise sensitive data and disrupt essential software.
5. Compromised mobile devices
Outdated mobile systems pose significant risks, with unpatched vulnerabilities often going undetected. If mobile devices can access sensitive business data, they become attractive targets. Employees may unknowingly increase risk by connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi or installing unverified apps. Without proper Mobile Device Management (MDM) and mobile security, businesses lack control over essential security measures, such as updates, encryption, and remote wiping. This can leave business data exposed and increase the likelihood of successful cyberattacks.
How can businesses protect and defend against outdated software risks?
There are a number of ways that businesses can mitigate the risks posed by relying on outdated systems:
Map your external attack surface
The external attack surface includes all internet-facing assets (servers, applications, and devices, etc.) that could be targeted by cyber attackers. Mapping this surface is critical for identifying outdated or unpatched software and services before they’re exploited. It enables businesses to prioritise updates based on real threat levels and uncover weaknesses in legacy systems before they can be exploited. Proactively managing the external attack surface reduces vulnerabilities and narrows the window of opportunity for ransomware and other cyber threats to succeed.
Install regular updates
Maintaining current systems and software is essential because updates patch known security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals commonly target in older versions. These updates also improve system reliability and add new security capabilities, strengthening protection against emerging cyber threats. By implementing scheduled updates, businesses not only reduce their risk of ransomware and data breaches but also support compliance with regulatory and industry standards. This ensures a more secure and resilient IT environment across all systems and devices.
Educate and train internal users
Educating and training internal users is vital to strengthening cybersecurity. Well-informed staff can recognise threats like phishing and suspicious activity, reducing user-initiated vulnerabilities. They’re also more likely to understand the importance of installing updates and reporting outdated software, aiding patch management. Combining education with real-world threat simulations like penetration testing and social engineering assessments reinforces lessons, uncovers user and system weaknesses, and shows how outdated software could be exploited in a real attack.
Protect your business from security risks with OnSecurity
Protect your business from security risks with our expert penetration testing. CREST-accredited, our team specialises in identifying vulnerabilities in outdated systems and software, helping you stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. Penetration testing provides clear, actionable insights that allow your business to quickly address weaknesses before they’re exploited. With our guidance, you can strengthen your cyber defences and maintain compliance.
Discover how OnSecurity can safeguard your systems: get in touch today.
