6 Discontinued Technology Tools You Should No Longer Be Using.
One constant about technology is that it changes rapidly. Tools that were once staples, like Internet Explorer and Adobe Flash, age. New tools replace those that are obsolete. Discontinued technology can leave computers and networks vulnerable to attacks - it’s time to exercise caution!
While older technology may still run fine on your systems, that doesn’t mean it’s okay to use. One of the biggest dangers of using outdated technology is that it can lead to a data breach.
Outdated software and hardware no longer receive essential security updates. Updates often patch newly found and exploited system vulnerabilities, so no security patches mean a device is a sitting duck for a cybersecurity breach.
Approximately 1 in 3 data breaches are due to unpatched system vulnerabilities.
Another problem with using discontinued technology is that it can leave you behind. Your business can look like you’re in the stone ages to your clients, and they can lose faith and trust.
Fundamental reasons to keep your technology updated to a supported version are:
Reduce the risk of a data breach or malware infection
Meet data privacy compliance requirements
To save a good reputation and foster client trust
To be competitive in your market
To mitigate hardware and software compatibility issues
To enable employee productivity
Older systems are clunky and get in the way of employee productivity. In addition, keeping these older systems in use can lead to the loss of good team members due to frustration.
49% of surveyed workers say they would consider leaving their jobs due to poor technology.
Following is a list of outdated technology tools you should replace as soon as possible. Are any of these used on your home computer or within your business?
Get Rid of This Tech Now If You’re Still Using It
Internet Explorer
Many moons ago, Internet Explorer (IE) used to be the number one browser in the world. But, over time, Google Chrome and other browsers edged it out. Including its replacement, Microsoft Edge.
Microsoft began phasing out IE with the introduction of Microsoft Edge in 2015. In recent years, fewer applications have been supporting use in IE. The browser loses all support beginning on June 15, 2022.
Adobe Flash
Millions of websites used Adobe Flash in the early 2000s. But other tools can now do the animations and other neat things Flash could do, making Flash obsolete, and Adobe ended it.
The Adobe Flash Player lost all support, including security updates, as of January 1, 2021. Do you still have this lingering on any of your computers? If so, you should uninstall the browser plugin and any Flash software.
Windows 7 and Earlier
Windows 7 was a prevalent operating system, but it’s now gone the way of the dinosaur. Replacements, Windows 10 and 11, are now in widespread use, with Windows 7 OS losing support on January 14, 2020.
While it may still technically run, it’s very vulnerable to hacks. Microsoft Windows OS is also a high-value target for hackers. So, you can be sure they are out there looking for systems still running this obsolete version of Windows.
macOS 10.14 Mojave and Earlier
Because of the cost of iMacs and MacBooks, people tend to hang onto them as long as possible. Unfortunately, updates no longer work once these devices reach a certain point leaving the hardware stuck on an older and non-supported macOS version.
If you are running macOS 10.14 Mojave or earlier, Apple no longer supports your OS, and you need to upgrade.
Oracle 18c Database
You may want to check your current version if your business uses Oracle databases. If you are running the Oracle 18C Database, then you are vulnerable. Breaches can quickly happen due to unpatched system vulnerabilities.
The Oracle 18C Database lost all support in June of 2021. If you have upgraded, you’ll want to keep an eye out for another upcoming end-of-support date. Both Oracle 19C and 21C will lose premiere support in April of 2024.
Microsoft SQL Server 2014
Another popular database tool is Microsoft’s SQL. Unfortunately, mainstream support has already ended if you are using SQL Server 2014. And in July of 2024, all support, including security updates, will stop; you have a little more time to upgrade before you’re in danger of not getting security patches. But it is better to upgrade sooner rather than later so you can test and verify the upgrade.
Get Help Upgrading Your Technology & Reducing risk.
Upgrades can be scary, especially if everything has been running great. You may be afraid that migration or upgrade will cause issues. We can help you upgrade your technology smoothly and do thorough testing afterwards. Schedule a technology review today; GET IN TOUCH.
The article is used with permission from The Technology Press.
