Is Your Business at Risk Because of This Outdated Software?

End-of-support (EOS) for Windows 8.1 and Office 2013

In January of this year, Microsoft stopped providing security patches and technical support for Windows 8.1 or Office 2013. If you have either of these on your network, you could be at risk of a cyber-attack. Also, in October of 2023, Server 2012 will also no longer be supported. With cyber-attacks increasing each year, it is vital to keep the security of your technology up to date.

To keep your business safe, talk with your Managed IT Services Professional or IT department to upgrade Windows 8.1 to the latest supported version of Windows. This can either be Windows 10 or Windows 11. You should also upgrade Microsoft Office 2013 to a supported version. If you subscribe to Office 365 or Microsoft 365, the license is included in your subscription. Talk with your IT team to complete the upgrade. If you are not on Office 365, we recommend moving to this subscription service to take advantage of the cloud services, to simply license management, and keep up-to-date with the latest software to keep you secure.

Pay Now or Pay a Lot Later

If you follow the news, you’re probably aware of the upsurge in data breaches and cyber-attacks. Notable examples include Colonial Pipeline and JBS. However, many organizations are still not taking the necessary precautions to defend themselves. One of the biggest mistakes a business can make is presuming that its cybersecurity measures are adequate.

This is why building not only a Security Operations strategy but having a three-year Technology Roadmap is critical. Organizations that plan their technology strategy have less security incidents so that they can keep focusing on their mission.

An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure.

Need help? Mode5 specializes in security and technology planning. If you would like a complimentary security and network assessment, please contact us on our website or call us at (757) 628-8324.