Why Your Older Devices Are a Security Threat

Although your older device may still work well, it could pose a significant security threat to your business. So before you do anything on that 10-year-old iMac in the corner of your office, stop and read this blog first. 

Outdated Operating Systems  

One of the primary concerns with older devices is outdated operating systems.  

Over time, OS developers release security patches to address vulnerabilities against emerging threats. But older devices are often incompatible with new patches, leaving them exposed.  

Cybercriminals often exploit these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorised access to machines. Once in, they can install malware, export files and compromise your personal data. 

Inadequate Hardware 

Another aspect that makes older devices vulnerable is their limited hardware capabilities. With time, software requirements increase.  

This means machines often need more processing power and memory to run the latest security defences. 

Older devices may struggle to keep up. Making it challenging to put in place robust security protocols. This limitation weakens their ability to protect against sophisticated cyber threats. 

Unsupported Software 

As well as outdated operating systems, unsupported software also poses a security risk. Software developers eventually stop support for older versions of their applications.  

This means your older machine may not receive the latest updates, which could affect security and performance. 

Lack of Encryption 

Encryption plays a vital role in protecting our data from unauthorised access.  

Yet, older devices may not support the strong encryption standards used today.  

Without robust full disk encryption, your sensitive information becomes susceptible to interception and data breaches.  

Without encryption, your privacy is at risk, including your passwords and financial details. 

Impact on Network Security 

A compromised older device on your network can weaken the security of other devices as well.  

If one device becomes compromised, it can act as a gateway for cybercriminals to gain access to the entire network. 

This can lead to the spread of malware, unauthorised access to other devices, and potential data breaches.  

Neglecting your older devices not only puts them at risk but it also endangers your whole network. 

When Should I Replace My Device? 

We recommend that devices should be replaced every 3-5 years. With day-to-day use, business machines often wear down much quicker than domestic computers.  

But, if your device still performs well and receives the latest updates, there’s no reason why you can’t still use it.   

In this case, it might even be worth extending its warranty rather than replacing it. 

How to Protect Older Devices 

We appreciate that replacing your older devices isn’t always possible straight away. With this in mind, there are a few things you should do to protect your machine (and network) 

• Ensure your device is running the latest operating system it can 
• Run all software updates and patches available 
• Make sure it is protected with an antivirus  
• Take care when browsing online