💻 Don’t Let Legacy Tech Define Your Legacy: Take Action This Cyber Security Awareness Month
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, and this year’s theme from the Australian Government is “Building our cyber safe culture”. While the focus for the general public is on the basics like strong passphrases and multi-factor authentication, the Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASD’s ACSC) is highlighting key technical themes for businesses and organisations.
One of the most critical themes is legacy technology.
What is Legacy Technology?
Legacy technology refers to any hardware or software that is no longer supported by its vendor. This includes old operating systems, servers, and applications that no longer receive security updates or bug fixes.
The Danger of Outdated Tech
While it may seem cheaper to hold onto old technology, the cost of a cyber attack far outweighs the expense of an upgrade. In 2023-24, the average cost of a cybercrime to a small business was nearly $50,000. Malicious actors exploit the known vulnerabilities in legacy tech, using them as an open door to access your systems. There is no peace of mind with legacy technology because it cannot keep pace with new and evolving threats.
Taking Action to Protect Your Business
The most effective way to reduce the risk posed by legacy technology is to
replace it. However, if that’s not immediately feasible, you can take temporary protective measures, such as:
Network segmentation: Isolating legacy systems from the rest of your network to contain a potential breach.
Advanced logging and monitoring: Implementing tools to keep a constant eye on network activity and detect threats that might otherwise go unseen. As the ASD’s ACSC says, “You can’t defend what you can’t see”.
Don’t let legacy tech define your business’s legacy. At Inner Circle IT, we can help you assess your current infrastructure and develop a strategy to mitigate risks and upgrade your systems for a more secure future.
For more information and resources on this and other key cyber security themes, visit cyber.gov.au/CAM2025.
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