Did you know hardware and software expire too?

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While many people may not think twice about using outdated technology, it has security and privacy implications for your business.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 Plus, outdated technology may not be compliant with current privacy regulations, meaning your data could be at risk.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 To protect your business from the downfall of outdated technology, you need a plan for when your systems reach their expiration date.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 January 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.

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.

End-of-Life Hardware

Establishing a proper hard drive and certified data destruction process can be one of the best and easiest decisions a company can make for managing end-of-life hardware. However, many businesses continue to make the wrong decisions.

While you may be considering creating your own internal data destruction options for fear of chain of custody, businesses are now up against constant turnover and staff shortages. That is where a trusted 3rd-party partner comes in. If you are vetting options for secure data destruction, there are a few essential services to look for. Ask the right questions and be prepared to dig in further.

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.

At Reclamere, 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. For more information, please reach out to us.