The vulnerabilities of outdated operating systems

The vulnerabilities of outdated operating systems

Keeping your computer’s operating system up-to-date is rudimentary to keep the system secure. Why? Whether your computer is built around a Windows, Mac, Unix, or Linux-based operating system (OS), the developers of the operating system, whether it is maintained commercially or through open source communities, are trying to improve capabilities. , features and more what is most important the security of the system. When a manufacturer launches a new operating system, it is not only looking to profit from a new product, but it is striving to produce and distribute a better product. In fact, the latest trend last year in commercial operating systems released by major industry corporations (ie Apple and Microsoft) is to provide consumers with FREE updates to the latest operating system. This means that corporations are not even benefiting from the distribution of their latest system. So why not upgrade your computers operating systems when there are no financial costs involved?

Going back to why developers change operating systems on a regular and continuous basis; While it has a lot to do with business, only a fraction is about profit. One of the greatest advantages of a free market is that companies will compete to produce a better and more desirable product. While competing to improve products, in this case operating systems, developers live to improve virtually every aspect of a system, including but not limited to its security features. This is not an article about economics, but about why users should focus on the benefits of updating computer operating systems, rather than the drawbacks, and how updating the operating system can improve computer security and the user data that it stores.

Often times, users have kept computers on the same operating system (usually the OS pre-installed when the computer was purchased) for years and even decades. Non-technical users will hesitate to update the operating system to avoid making changes that could damage the computer, or worse, they may rearrange the desktop, menus, and toolbars in such a way that it is difficult for the user to navigate or use. We understand, change is scary. When desks and menus change in appearance and options are relocated, it can be difficult to adapt to the new layout. However, if a user can overcome the temporary inconveniences of navigating a new operating system, they will experience the comforts and guarantees that come with the update.

Over a period of time, the number of exploits on any (and all) type of operating system will increase thanks to penetration testers, hackers, and malware developers. The truth of the matter is that the longer a system is in circulation, the longer programmers have been trying to exploit it through hacks, cracks, malware, and other tricks. It is an endless game of violating and patching a system that makes it more secure. The problem with legacy operating systems (note that the word legacy is intended to describe a product that is no longer supported by the manufacturer) is that newly discovered vulnerabilities in the system will never be repaired or protected. Security vulnerabilities can allow attackers and / or malware to bypass network protocols, execute remote code, escalate access privileges to system files and programs, disclose or collect user profile information, corrupt drivers, or system files, cause a denial of service, and perform other activities. that may harm the user, the system and / or the application (s).

When an operating system reaches the end-of-life date set by the manufacturer, there will be no more resources or support available to keep the system retired. The manufacturer will invest its resources in a new system or product (more). So when a manufacturer recalls a system, so should the users. Users who keep their computers operating system up-to-date and up-to-date will have access to various types of vulnerability patches, including:

  1. Definition updates. Definitions added to system databases are used to detect malicious code, phishing websites and / or junk mail (spam).

  2. Security updates. An update will include patches or fixes for a specific security-related vulnerability in the product.

  3. Service Packs (Windows only). A service pack consists of a batch of cumulative hotfixes, security updates, critical and non-critical updates.

A computer that has a supported operating system can access the latest definition / security updates and service packs that are tested and released by developers. Users who do not update their computers’ operating systems, which have reached the end of their useful life, leave their computers and data at risk of being compromised.

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