Using end-of-life tech? You’re at risk of attack
Not one of those “new phone every year” kind of folks? Hey, I don’t blame you! We’re all trying to save a buck or two.
But there’s a line. Using end-of-life (EOL) tech (aka hardware or software that’s no longer updated by the manufacturer) can leave you vulnerable to cyberattacks. Let’s run through what that includes.
Old operating systems
Your nine-year-old laptop might still work, but when operating systems go unsupported, you stop getting essential security updates and patches.
- If you have a PC: Windows 11 is your safest bet. Windows 7 is no longer covered; some versions of Windows 10 are supported until 2025.
- If you have a Mac running on macOS Big Sur: Time to upgrade. If yours is a 2016 Mac, upgrade to Monterrey. For 2017 Macs, use Ventura. Macs from 2018 and beyond get the latest macOS, Sonoma. To check what you’re running, go to System Settings > General > Software Update.
Is your Mac or PC 10 years old? You might not be able to upgrade to a supported OS, so it’s time to shell out for a new one.
Outdated routers
Routers with outdated firmware not only perform at slower speeds, but the old tech makes them a prime target for network attacks. 👍 Rule of thumb: Replace your router at least every five years. Solid options here.
If you have Adobe Flash …
Get rid of it. Adobe stopped supporting its Flash Player in 2020. Download the uninstaller for Flash Player (Windows, Mac), run it, and restart your computer.
Internet browsers go bad, too
Just because a program still works doesn’t mean it’s supported or safe to use. (I’m looking at you, Internet Explorer.)
- Apple Safari: Updating macOS will automatically update your browser.
- Google Chrome: Click the three dots in the top right > Help > About Google Chrome > Update Google Chrome. (If you don’t see the button to update, you’re on the latest version!)
- Internet Explorer: Some versions of Windows 10 still run it, but you should upgrade to Microsoft Edge here.
Old Apple and Android devices
For the most part, Apple supports older phones longer than Android.
- iPhone: If you’re still using an iPhone XS, you can download and run the latest operating system, iOS 17. iPhones 8 and older are out of luck. Check under Settings > General > Software Update.
- Android: No more support for the Google Pixel 4a, and the 5a gets cut in August! Head to Settings > System > Software Update for the latest.
There are way more unsupported programs and devices than I can list here. For a full list of tech in its twilight years, head to endoflife.date. It’s a fast and easy way to check your everyday gear.
🍎 Did you know the oldest computer can be traced back to Adam and Eve? It was an Apple with extremely limited memory. Just 1 byte and then everything crashed. (Oh, I just laughed while writing that!)
Keep your tech-know going
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Tags: Apple, Google Chrome, iPhone, Microsoft
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