Older versions of Windows are undoubtedly one example, but unsupported software might be more sophisticated than we realize. Let’s look at some of the various aspects of unsupported software. Unsupported software can signify various things, ranging from no longer receiving feature updates and bug patches to no longer receiving any updates, including those addressing security risks. If possible, use up-to-date software; nevertheless, if you cannot or do not want to, be aware of the additional dangers to your safety and security.
Term For Software No Longer Supported
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End-of-Life (EoL)
It refers to software that the manufacturer no longer supports. The software is now considered obsolete; no further upgrades, bug patches, security updates, or customer support will be provided.
Here are some additional phrases relating to software that is no longer supported:
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End of Support (EOS)
EOS software, like EoL, is no longer supported by the publisher and does not receive official maintenance.
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Deprecated software
Software that is no longer recommended for use or is expected to reach end-of-life in the future.
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Abandonware
The manufacturer has abandoned software support. It is critical to understand when software reaches end-of-life so that users may prepare to upgrade or replace it. This helps to reduce operational and security concerns.
Deprecated Meaning: What Is Deprecated?
In information technology (IT), deprecation means that, while something is available or authorized, it is not encouraged, or that, if something must be used, saying it is deprecated signifies that its flaws are acknowledged.
The phrase can be applied to almost any aspect of information technology, including software, hardware, methodologies, models, and practices. The goal is to replace obsolete approaches with new, more effective ones.
Outside of the IT context, deprecated refers to something that is acknowledged but discouraged.
What Are Some Examples of Deprecation?
Here are some examples of deprecation:
1. Computer Programming
In computer programming, a deprecated language entity is permitted or supported but not encouraged.
For example, some elements and attributes are deprecated in HTML 4.0, implying that alternative methods of completing the task are recommended. Many deprecated features become outdated in HTML5, while some browsers may still support them.
In the Java programming language, a method can be deprecated for a specific class of objects.
2. Security through obscurity
Even broad approaches to anything can be deprecated. Security by obscurity, for example, is a strategy that depends on concealing coding and potential vulnerabilities so that defects are less likely to be discovered and exploited.
That strategy, as well as others like security via minority and security through obsolescence, are being phased out in favor of security by design, which entails designing systems to be as secure as possible.
3. Software obsolescence
The concept of deprecated features also applies to software. In this case, it could refer to a program or application that is no longer supported or updated by its creator.
All software eventually gets deprecated when new versions are published and previous ones are no longer supported. However, in rare circumstances, software may become obsolete before its time due to technological advancements or human preferences.
For example, in 2016, Mozilla Firefox deprecated its built-in RSS and Atom feed readers. The decision was motivated in part by the waning popularity of RSS and Atom feeds, as well as shifts in how consumers consume content online.
Although deprecated software is no longer supported, it may still operate. In rare circumstances, however, deprecated software may cease to function totally if, for example, it is incompatible with an updated operating system.
Is It Safe To Run Unsupported Software?
Opinions differ on whether it is safe to use unsupported software. First, understand that “safe” is not an absolute. There is no such thing as absolute security or safety. You can only be more or less safe. Using unsupported software may be much less safe. Vulnerabilities will be identified but not remedied. These weaknesses are then targeted by malware that has no defense. That is not safe.
On the other hand, and maybe more pragmatically, you can boost your security by adhering to excellent internet safety habits and backing up—again, obsessively.
Whether that is enough is debatable. For example, as I write this, many individuals have been using Windows 7 for several years since its official end-of-support date without incident.
Perhaps hackers aren’t emphasizing the declining number of Windows 7 users, or maybe these people are good at staying protected. Perhaps they are about to succumb to something awful for which there is no cure or protection.
There’s no doubt that everything else being equal, they’re less safe than people operating more modern, supported alternatives.
But it’s a risk they’re willing (or, depending on the circumstances, obliged) to accept.
Examples of Attacks Against Outdated Operating Systems
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WannaCry Ransomware
The WannaCry ransomware outbreak in 2017 was one of the most major attacks on out-of-date operating systems. This assault targeted a vulnerability in the Windows operating system that Microsoft had addressed some months before, but many firms had not deployed the update. The hack spread quickly around the world, infecting hundreds of thousands of systems and resulting in major disruptions and financial losses.
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Heartbleed Bug
The Heartbleed issue was a flaw in the OpenSSL encryption library that impacted numerous operating systems, including Linux and Windows. This flaw enabled attackers to steal sensitive information, such as passwords and encryption keys, from systems running obsolete OpenSSL versions.
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Apache Struts Vulnerability
In 2017, Equifax experienced a catastrophic data breach that exposed the personal information of millions of consumers. The assault was made feasible via a vulnerability in the Apache Struts web framework, which was running on an out-of-date Equifax server. The vulnerability had been corrected several months ago, but the organization had not deployed the update.
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Stuxnet Worm
The Stuxnet worm was a sophisticated malware attack that targeted industrial control systems running old versions of the Windows operating system. The attack was thought to have been carried out by a nation-state actor and was intended to undermine Iran’s nuclear program. The hack expanded across several systems, resulting in physical damage to centrifuges and other key infrastructure.
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Mirai Botnet
In 2016, a huge distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack was launched using the Mirai botnet, a network of hijacked Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The hack targeted a domain name service provider and shut down famous websites including Twitter and Netflix. Vulnerabilities in obsolete firmware and operating systems running on hacked devices enabled the Mirai botnet.
These are only a few examples of the types of attacks that can be used against obsolete operating systems. To defend themselves from evolving threats and vulnerabilities, individuals and organizations must remain vigilant and maintain their systems up to date.
FAQs
What does software no longer supported mean?
Unsupported software refers to systems that are no longer being updated, patched, or otherwise maintained by the software’s developer. For example, if you have an iPhone 6 or an earlier model, Apple no longer updates the phone’s software, and the user may have problems.
What does it mean when an application is no longer supported?
When software (we use the phrase interchangeably to refer to apps and operating systems here) becomes “out of support,” it means that the vulnerabilities discovered by researchers and malicious individuals are no longer patched.
What is the term for software no longer used?
The concept of deprecated features also applies to software. In this case, it could refer to a program or application that is no longer supported or updated by its creator. All software eventually gets deprecated when new versions are published and previous ones are no longer supported.
What is the term for abandoned software?
Abandonware refers to software that its manufacturer has abandoned in terms of support.
What does “unsupported software” mean?
Software can become unsupported for a variety of reasons, including a lack of support and extended support services, as well as attaining end-of-life or end-of-support status.
Conclusion
When a feature is deprecated, it’s critical to understand why it’s being removed and what the developers suggest as a replacement. This will help you decide whether you need to take action.
In some circumstances, deprecated features may still function properly. In some circumstances, deprecated features may cease to function fully or cause additional problems that make usage difficult.
For example, deprecated features in programming languages can result in compiler warnings or problems. As a result, it’s critical to be aware of any deprecated functionality in the program you’re using and prepare accordingly.
When deprecating a feature, make sure to offer proper documentation. This will assist users in understanding why the associated change is being implemented and how they might respond, if necessary.
Finally, deprecated features should be kept around for a fair amount of time before being removed when it is evident that they are no longer required. This allows consumers time to make the necessary modifications while avoiding any inconveniences.