Nearly half of Small businesses could be using outdated software
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Outdated software can carry huge risks. Once software stops being supported, it no longer receives regular security updates – leaving it open to new methods of attack.
It’s this problem that is thought to have led to the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack on the NHS – the ‘biggest ransomware offensive in history’. Outdated software allowed hackers to easily penetrate NHS systems. It is unlikely this would have happened were the NHS using newer operating systems at the time.
New versions of software are constantly being released. Each version is usually supported for a decade before it is abandoned so that developers can focus on newer software versions. Despite this, many people continue to use these older unsupported software versions – including many small businesses.
Microsoft Windows is a prime example. In a 2019 survey, it was revealed that 47% of small businesses were still using Windows 7. Support for Windows 7 ran out this year in January – while many businesses announced plans to upgrade in the new year, it is believed that due to the pandemic many businesses may have delayed this upgrade. The result of this could be many small businesses continuing to operate while using outdated vulnerable software.
1% of very small businesses were even found to still be using Windows XP – which has not been supported since 2014.
This is just a common example of outdated software in use. Many businesses are thought to still have niche programs on their systems that are no longer supported ranging from old accounting software to old database software. Some of these programs may have gone unsupported for over 10 years in certain cases.
Many businesses cling onto old software out of convenience. Upgrading software can be time-consuming – on top of the time spent migrating data, companies have to consider the potential time spent training staff. Updating software can also be costly, which can also put many businesses off.
Of course, it doesn’t have to be time-consuming or costly if done correctly. Nowadays, there are many services around such as this database compare tool that can help you find the best migration option. Using professional software migration services, it’s often possible to automate the process of migrating data. As for the cost, you can save money upgrading software by shopping around for software packages before you upgrade. Choosing a different software provider instead of automatically upgrading to the next version could require extra training of staff, but could save you a lot of money in some cases – plus you could find that the software is much better for your needs.
Upgrading outdated software can have other advantages beyond improving security. Newer software is likely to be faster and have more features. You could find that it’s more compatible with other programs. Cloud technology could also allow you to use the software on multiple devices, while ensuring that all data is backed up.
Just make sure to always do your research before upgrading software. By reading reviews of software and taking advantage of free trials, you can ensure that any new software you choose is suited to your needs.
