Our photograph is meant to be tongue-in-cheek, as ‘old‘ (known as ‘legacy’) infrastructure within IT does not even mean ten years old—five years can bring considerable change. If hardware, systems, and processes aren’t reviewed and updated regularly, gaps can be exposed, which cybercriminals can take advantage of. Therefore, it’s vital to be aware of the age of your infrastructure, potential vulnerabilities, and how you can reduce gaps in your cybersecurity provision. 

Just five years can make a difference

Here, we use VPN (Virtual Private Network) as an example that highlights the vulnerabilities of a five-year-old system. The VPN of five years ago offered robust security for its day. But fast forward to today, and they are often missing critical advancements such as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Without MFA, your VPN is far more susceptible to unauthorised access, putting your entire network at risk. 

Evolving cyber threats

The cyber threat landscape is constantly changing, with attackers finding new ways to exploit the gaps left by legacy systems. Aged hardware and software can lack the ability to receive updates or support the latest security, leaving them wide open to attack. And it’s not just about the VPNs. Firewalls, operating systems, and even third-party applications, if not maintained or replaced, can all be weak links in your cybersecurity chain. 

What can you do?

First, conduct an honest review of your infrastructure. When was the last time you evaluated the security of your core systems? If the answer is longer than 12 months ago or you can’t remember, it’s overdue. Start by critically reviewing older assets, assessing when they were acquired/installed, whether they are up to date, and whether they expose a weakness that could be exploited. 

If you don’t know the answer to some of the questions posed above, or the process takes you out of your comfort zone, you don’t need to do it alone. We are here to provide a fresh perspective and can identify risks you might overlook. Sometimes, all it takes is a couple of hours with us to uncover significant vulnerabilities and set you on a path to mitigating them. It’s not about finding faults but ensuring that you’re not unintentionally leaving the door open for a cyberattack. 

Make positive changes

Addressing these issues doesn’t have to be a daunting process. Modernising your infrastructure and implementing measures such as MFA, regular patching, and penetration testing can significantly improve your levels of cybersecurity. It’s a small investment in time and resources compared to the cost of a data breach, not just financially, but also in terms of reputation and trust. 

Legacy systems might still be functional, but their very age could be their greatest weakness. By reviewing, upgrading, or replacing these systems, you’re not just ensuring compliance with best practices; you’re actively protecting your business from preventable threats. So, take a step back, have those vital conversations, and future-proof your infrastructure before it’s too late. 

Cybercriminals are constantly breaching the defences of organisations of all sizes and are constantly seeking ways in. Make sure your business isn’t an easy target. If you’re not sure how to keep your business safe, get in touch.

Back to posts