Risks of having outdated servers and best practices to date

• 07 June, 2023
• No Comments

Risks of having outdated servers and best practices to date

In the dynamic world of digital technology, the perils associated with running outdated servers are increasingly prominent, posing significant threats to an organization’s security and overall stability. With the expansion of attack surfaces due to the growing number of remote workers, widespread adoption of public cloud services, interconnected supply chains, and utilization of cyber-physical systems, businesses are exposed to new and more sophisticated cyber threats.

As cybercriminals continue to exploit vulnerabilities in obsolete systems, organizations must prioritize keeping their servers up-to-date to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and other potential security incidents. If not prioritized, the following are the risks of having an outdated server in place:

1. Crashes and System Downtime: Outdated servers are more prone to crashes, resulting in system downtime and disruption of business operations.
2. Increased Vulnerability to Ransomware Attacks: Outdated systems often lack proper ransomware protection, making them susceptible to attacks like the WannaCry outbreak in 2017.
3. Compatibility Issues: Older servers might not support newer software, browsers, or operating systems, leading to compatibility issues and reduced functionality.
4. Increased Costs: Maintaining and troubleshooting outdated servers can be more expensive than upgrading to modern systems.
5. Security Vulnerabilities: Outdated servers may have unpatched security vulnerabilities, making them an easy target for cybercriminals and exposing sensitive data to potential breaches.
6. Reduced Efficiency: Older servers often have lower performance capabilities, which can lead to decreased productivity and slower response times.
7. Limited Support: As technology advances, vendors may stop providing support and updates for older systems, leaving outdated servers without necessary patches and updates.

In the rapidly changing world of technology, organizations must continually adapt to maintain efficiency and security. Outdated systems can pose significant risks and hinder progress. In this context, it is crucial to understand and implement the best practices for managing these systems to ensure a smooth transition and maintain optimal performance. The following are some key best practices that can help organizations navigate the challenges posed by outdated systems.

1. Regularly evaluate your systems: Assess your IT infrastructure periodically to identify outdated systems, inefficiencies, and potential security risks.
2. Develop a technology update plan: Create a plan to phase out outdated systems and replace them with modern technology. This includes setting a budget, determining priorities, and establishing timelines for upgrading your systems.
3. Upgrade to cloud-based solutions: Switch from network-based servers to cloud-based solutions, which provide better scalability, flexibility, and security. Cloud systems often come with automatic updates, reducing the risks associated with outdated software.
4. Implement strong security measures: While transitioning to newer systems, ensure robust security protocols are in place for your outdated systems. This includes regular security audits, patch management, and monitoring for potential threats.
5. Improve communication and collaboration: Utilize modern project management tools to streamline workflows, foster collaboration, and increase overall efficiency in your organization.
6. Seek professional support: If you’re struggling with outdated systems, consider consulting IT professionals or managed service providers to help you identify issues and provide guidance on the best course of action for upgrading your systems.

The risks associated with outdated servers can have far-reaching consequences for organizations, compromising their security, stability, and overall performance. As technology continues to evolve and cyber threats multiply, it is of utmost importance for businesses to stay vigilant and up-to-date with their server management practices.

Implementing robust best practices can not only mitigate these risks but also ensure a secure and efficient infrastructure that promotes operational excellence. By addressing these challenges head-on and adopting a proactive approach, organizations can protect their sensitive data, critical systems, and ultimately, their reputation in today’s highly competitive digital landscape.

How a DPO can help prevent this from happening

Your appointed DPO can work with you on your PDPA compliance, ensuring that there will be policies in place to make sure that the handling of personal data is PDPA compliant. This includes promptly responding to the PDPC with their queries to expedite the investigations and prevent a harsher penalty from the Commission. 

A Data Protection Officer (DPO) oversees data protection responsibilities and ensures that organisations comply with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). Furthermore, every Organization’s DPO should be able to curb any instances of PDPA noncompliance as it is the officer responsible for maintaining the positive posture of an organisation’s cybersecurity.

DPOs complement organisations’ efforts to ensure that the organisation’s methods of collecting personal data comply with the PDPA. It also ensures that policies are set in place to make sure that there will be no instances of data breaches in the future.

Don’t wait any longer to ensure your organisation is PDPA compliant. Take our free 

3-minute PDPA Compliance Self-audit checklist now, the same “secret weapon” used by our clients to keep them on track. Upon completion, we will send you the results so you can take the necessary action to protect your customers’ data. Complete the free assessment checklist today and take the first step towards protecting your customers’ personal data.