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While many people may not think twice about using outdated technology, it has security and privacy implications for your business.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 Plus, outdated technology may not be compliant with current privacy regulations, meaning your data could be at risk.

To Update Automatically or Not?

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 To protect your business from the downfall of outdated technology, you need a plan for when your systems reach their expiration date. 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.