Did you know hardware and software expire too?

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? Just like that carton of milk in the back of your fridge that you forgot about, or the eggs that have been sitting there since last Easter.

This is because technology is constantly evolving and advancing. What was once cutting-edge can become obsolete in the blink of an eye, faster than you can say "Spoilt milk!"

While many people may not think twice about using outdated technology, it has security and privacy implications for your business.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 Plus, outdated technology may not be compliant with current privacy regulations, meaning your data could be at risk.

So, what does this mean for you and your organization? 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 To protect your business from the downfall of outdated technology, you need a plan for when your systems reach their expiration date. Trust me, you don’t want to be caught with an expired system – it’s worse than discovering your milk has gone bad after pouring it into your coffee.

End-of-support for Windows 10

In October 2025, Windows 10 will no longer be supported by Microsoft. This lack of support means you will not receive any technical assistance, bug fixes or security updates from Microsoft to cover any potential vulnerabilities. It's like finding out your favorite cereal no longer exists – devastating!

Even if all your Windows 10 apps continue to function after the specified time, you run the risk of being exposed to security vulnerabilities such as malware, phishing, ransomware and data theft. Imagine having to deal with that and a fridge full of spoilt eggs.

To keep your business safe, the best option is to update to Windows 11 or replace your older hardware. 

A stitch in time saves nine

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.

Investing in supported technologies is one of the most advantageous ways to protect your business. Supported technologies have routine internal security measures in place, and their support teams create and release updates and patches to make the product more secure and helpful.

In the event of a data breach or cyberattack, supported technologies will also have a team of experts who can assist you in recovering from the incident.

Always remember that prevention is better than cure, much like it’s better to avoid drinking spoilt milk than to deal with the aftermath.

Need help?

If you’ve read this far, then you must be determined to protect your organization by ensuring that no outdated software or hardware is being used by your team. However, this can be a heavy lift without expert assistance. Fortunately, we’re here to help.

We can use our experience and skills to show you the right way to secure your business and provide you with the necessary tools so you won’t be caught off guard by outdated software or hardware. If you’re interested, please reach out to us for a no-obligation consultation.

In addition, to help you learn more, download our infographic “What Does End of Support Mean for Your Business?” by clicking here.