Adrian Johnson
TLDR:
- End of life for applications can lead to security risks as hackers target unsupported software
- Over 35,000 applications will reach end-of-life status in the next year
We all get older, and so do applications. In the cybersecurity industry, end-of-life for software can open the door to potential security vulnerabilities and attacks by hackers. End of life indicates when an application will no longer receive functionality updates, while end of support means no more updates at all.
While some exceptions exist, such as Microsoft releasing updates for Windows XP even after its official end of support, organizations need to plan ahead to manage risks effectively. More than 35,000 applications will reach end-of-life status in the coming year, posing challenges for IT teams.
It’s crucial for organizations to track their software assets, plan for migrations, and collaborate with application owners to ensure a smooth transition. Migrating to the cloud can also present an opportunity to update and improve outdated software components, reducing risks and enhancing performance.
Ultimately, managing the long-term risks associated with end-of-life software requires strategic planning, collaboration across teams, and a focus on delivering business value through updates and migrations.
About the Author: Matt Middleton-Leal is the Managing Director for EMEA North at Qualys, a leading provider of cloud-based IT, security, and compliance solutions.
