The Inevitable Risks of Outdated Systems for Businesses

In this digital age, we cannot underestimate the significance of technology for business success.

As the IT infrastructure is critical for business operations, it is important to keep pace. Embracing new technology and using managed services are vital for driving profits, delivering innovative experiences, sustainable operations, outperforming market competitors, and achieving business growth.

What Are the Risks of Outdated Systems for Businesses?

Compromised Network Security

An estimate shows that outdated systems are the key reason for 60% of data breach incidents globally. Businesses with compromised network security are at a higher risk of cyberattack and data leakage, resulting in inevitable financial losses.

Compliance Failure

Today, startups, SMEs, and large businesses are challenged with cybersecurity regulation compliance. However, outdated technology can dwindle businesses’ capabilities, making it difficult to defeat the challenge.

Diminished Productivity

With the increasing digitization, computers have become a primary tool for businesses worldwide. The use of computers is dominating every business operation, hence the choice of technology and system can have a major impact. A low-performing system may reduce employee productivity while a well-functioning system promises the best outcomes.  

Data Loss

As businesses expand, the data storage needs surges making them vulnerable to reliability-related data loss. Modern storage devices have a limited lifespan, and relying on them can be a huge risk for businesses. Additionally, outdated software is usually not optimized for modern hardware, and this discrepancy can increase the risk.  

Unsupported Operating Systems Invite Cybercriminals

Most operating systems are unsupported by their developers, which opens opportunities for cybercriminals. Developers are not proactively working to fix these issues; the damage can be huge.

Revenue Loss

Outdated systems make businesses vulnerable to compromised network security, data losses, and cyberattacks – all of which cause huge financial losses. Business organizations may fail to update the software and hardware in time to save in the short run, however, it could lead to a one-time big loss. So, the best approach is to perform a cost-benefit analysis of hiring cybersecurity managed services and regularly updating systems.

Increased Costs

Businesses are always struggling to reduce expenses and maximize profits. It is the key reason for not having regular technology and system upgrades, and keeping pace with the modern world. However, old technology is vulnerable to frequent downtime and failures. The extra cost incurred in supporting the outdated technology may overload your expenses, decline profitability, and affect your bottom line.

Mired Business Growth

Businesses using outdated technology and old systems have higher operation costs and declining profits, raising their risk of losing a competitive edge in the market. However, market competitors may act smart and leverage the benefit of leading-edge technology to boost efficiency and scale.

Migration Issues

System migration and compatibility issues emerge when businesses fail to upgrade their systems and technology. As a result, you may have to face potentially increased downtime and higher installation costs.

Risky Existence

Sometimes, failure to upgrade outdated systems may risk the business’s existence. In 2012, Knight Capital Group experienced a software failure that caused an estimated loss of $440 million forcing the company to sell itself to another entity.

How to Protect Your Organization Against the Inevitable Risk?

The best way to protect your organization against the inevitable risks of outdated systems is to hire an experienced Managed Service Provider who can effectively implement a robust vulnerability management program before you become a victim.

Understand the External Attack Surface

The primary step to mitigating the risks of outdated systems is to know the scope of the external attack surface. A thorough insight into your technology infrastructure and hardware will help evaluate business risks and guide the right actions.

Network Monitoring

Next, you must constantly monitor your network to identify new endpoints such as remote employees’ devices, IoT, smartphone devices, and any digital vendors of your business. Moreover, maintaining a list of outdated systems and regularly checking for emerging risks will help you play safe. The best way is to identify risky systems and set up alerts, to detect potential threats in real-time and regulate losses.

Repair Outdated Systems

The best approach to dealing with outdated system risks is to repair them timely and curtail cyber risks. You may hire a trusted IT service provider that will identify and remediate vulnerable systems – saving you from big harm.

Replace Your Outdated IT infrastructure to Fast-Track Business Success

Facts reveal that regularly updating IT infrastructure is critical for business survival. Businesses must strategize by adopting an integrated approach and hiring managed cybersecurity services, to evaluate outdated systems and security vulnerabilities and mitigate risks. This innovation can help organizations reap incredible benefits such as improved security, better productivity, amplified profits, and business growth.