The Risks Of Not Updating Your IT Systems And Software

The risks of not updating company software and other IT systems can be significant and highly detrimental to a business from both a financial and security point of view.

This year, the majority of companies have held back on their IT spend due to uncertainty in the market, as well as reduced revenue, mainly due to the pandemic lockdown. Although this is understandable in the short term, it is still imperative to ensure that that all IT systems remain update to avoid daily business operations coming to a grinding halt.

Nowadays, many software updates are done automatically, and sometimes we are not even aware that they have happened. Some updates still need to be performed manually though. The reason for these updates is to fix security flaws and bugs as well as to increase operational capabilities. By installing software updates, a company can reduce its risk of becoming vulnerable to hacking, viruses, breach of data and other security risks.

IT Security Risks

Although there are several reasons to maintain software updates, security should be at the forefront of a company’s concerns. Malware, hackers, viruses, phishing and ransomware are just some of the issues that can make a company vulnerable and put its sensitive data at risk.

Outdated Software

Eventually, all software becomes outdated. By applying regular updates, a company can keep its software relevant and benefit from the new functionality.

Compatibility Issues

Another issue that can arise from not keeping software updated is that older software may run into compatibility issues when files are exchanged between users utilising older software and those using more updated software.

Slow Response Times

Older software tends to deteriorate over time, as it accumulates junk date such as temporary files, log entries, cookies, etc. resulting in a degradation of performance and a slowing down of the system. Ultimately, this impacts on employee performance.

Westech, a premium IT support company in South Africa that offers IT software and hardware as well as networking and security support services, offers two affordable approaches to reduce security risks, data loss, slow systems and the resulting frustrations.

Firstly, Westech will assess the immediate risks and address and secure these for up to 12 months. After that, they conduct an overall assessment of the entire IT environment within the company and submit a 12 or 24-month road map wherein the required roll-outs would be implemented. These roll-out actions include;

• Migrating email to Microsoft 365.
• Migrating servers and applications to the cloud.
• Upgrading computer and networking equipment over a rental or lease agreement for 36 months.

These cost-effective actions enable companies to confidentially continue operating their IT systems, without having to consider high IT costs, downtime, technical support costs and security risks.

To ensure that your IT systems and software are always kept updated and maintained, contact Westech for a free quotation.