When you think of cybersecurity threats, you likely imagine phishing emails or suspicious links. But one of the biggest threats to your business might be something you see every day—outdated software.

Why Old Software Is a Problem

Outdated operating systems, browsers, and third-party applications are ticking time bombs. Vendors stop supporting legacy versions over time, which means no more patches, no more updates, and no more protection from the latest vulnerabilities. Even one outdated system in your network could be a gateway for cybercriminals.

How This Affects Small Businesses

You don’t need to be a Fortune 500 company to become a target. In fact, small businesses are increasingly targeted because they often have weaker defenses. And the cost of an attack? It can be catastrophic—lost productivity, damaged reputation, stolen customer data, or regulatory penalties.

How to Stay Ahead

Routine audits of all software across your systems are essential. Replace or upgrade unsupported programs, and subscribe to a proactive maintenance schedule. Your IT partner should also monitor your environment and alert you to risks before they become disasters.

Benson Communications Can Help

Whether you’re dealing with one aging server or dozens of legacy endpoints, Benson Communications can perform a full system audit and help bring everything up to speed. We also offer managed IT services to monitor, patch, and secure your network consistently—so you don’t have to worry about what’s lurking behind the scenes.

Backup: Your Last Line of Defense

No matter how proactive you are, one truth remains: if your data isn’t backed up, nothing else matters. Whether it’s hardware failure, ransomware, or human error, you must have a robust backup plan. Benson offers reliable, automated backup solutions so your business can recover quickly from any unexpected event.