What? The date when software is no longer supported “End of support” is essentially the expiry date of the software. It happens when software is no longer supported by the product developer that makes it. It will no longer receive security updates, general software updates or technical support. Sometimes a software upgrade will be sufficient, but you may need to upgrade your hardware (computer or server) if that is too old to support the new software. In most cases, the software will continue to work after the end-of-support date, but without the support from the developer, you will be more open to suffering cyber security incidents. It is also only a matter of time before other software and hardware developers stop working with the outdated software. Why? The risk of a cyber security incident significantly increases when unsupported software is used In 2017, the global “WannaCry” ransomware attack targeted people using unsupported operating systems. There were over 200,000 victims in 150 countries who were unable to access their locked files. Criminals know some users still use software that is no longer being protected by the developer’s security updates. Over time, criminals are more likely to break into these older, unsupported software programs than those still being protected by the developer. The techniques criminals use will evolve over time, but the defences of unsupported software will remain as they were at the time support ended. When? Every program is different The timing of when operating systems reach end of support varies. Microsoft’s Modern Lifecycle Policy covers products with continuous support and servicing. Microsoft’s Fixed Lifecycle Policy covers products with defined end-of-support dates. You can search on Microsoft’s website for specific end-of-support dates. Apple does not have a defined end-of-support policy, but you can manually check on the Apple website when your operating system last received a security update. If your IT is managed by an outsourced provider, talk to them about the end of support for your operating systems or critical software. The ACSC's options for end of support Upgrade software Upgrade devices and hardware Advantages Continued and greater security Continued technical support Usually built with more user friendly features More likely to be compatible with newer software applications Continued and greater security Continued technical support Usually built with more user friendly features More likely to support newer software applications Will come with most up-to-date operating systems Usually faster and more efficient Disadvantages Will not overcome broader issues of requiring new devices and hardware over time Usually costs more than a software upgrades Important end-of-support dates Software End of extended support date Microsoft Office 2010 13 October 2020 Microsoft Windows 7 14 January 2020 Microsoft Windows 8.1 10 January 2023 Note: The above dates relate to extended security support. Security updates will continue to be applied at no additional cost, however there is limited access to non-security features. For further information consult the website of your provider for end-of-support information. If your IT is managed by an outsourced provider, talk to them about the end of support for your operating systems or critical software.
