Question

Estimates for the number of computers still running Windows Server 2003 range from hundreds of thousands to several million – even though Microsoft has stopped supporting the product. What are the risks for companies that continue to use software or hardware technology after a vendor ends support for it? Explain in detail.

Answer 1

The risks for companies that continue to use software or hardware technology after a vendor ends support for it are as follows:-

• The biggest risk is of security. Since the software company no longer updates the system, the security programs become obsolete and outdated and may possess a risk to newer threats emerging which may compromise the confidential and precious data.
• As programs become more and more outdated, they become unreliable and often hang. This may result in huge financial losses if the system hangs at a critical time or transaction and may affect the image of the company as well.
• The companies running obsolete programs can be fined by the government if a data breach happens or because of not following the industrial regulations.