Many organizations overlook the risks posed by neglected updates and unpatched systems. With small and medium enterprises using numerous applications, failing to update software leaves organizations wide open to cyberattacks.
Accenture’s Cost of Cybercrime Study 2023 revealed that 43% of cyberattacks are aimed at small businesses, and only 14% of them are prepared to defend themselves. Most SMB owners lack the time or expertise for a thorough cyber risk assessment, often relying on outdated technology alongside newer tools.
Outdated software doesn’t just affect individual systems; it can endanger an entire organization, leading to data breaches, ransomware attacks, and large revenue losses. Understanding how cybercriminals exploit this lack of security is the first step toward protecting against these threats. ESET emphasizes that addressing these vulnerabilities through regular software updates and proactive security measures is essential to minimizing risks and defending against evolving cyber threats.
Five ways hackers exploit unpatched systems
ESET highlights that the easiest method to upgrade business security is to learn how threat actors like to exploit and abuse systems or tools. Here are five ways, plus some mitigation strategies:
1. Exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities
One of the most common ways hackers infiltrate systems is by exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities. Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report showed that 14% of breaches involved the exploitation of vulnerabilities, which is almost triple the amount in 2023. Although software developers release updates to fix bugs, improve functionality, and close security gaps, if these updates are not installed on time, companies’ systems are exposed to attackers who actively search for such vulnerabilities. Unpatched vulnerabilities were at the heart of the infamous WannaCry ransomware attack, which caused billions of dollars in damages globally.
Automating the update process minimizes the chance of human error or oversight. Tools like patch management solutions can automatically identify outdated software, download necessary updates, and deploy them across an organization. But not all patches are created equal. Critical updates addressing severe vulnerabilities should be prioritized. Organizations can adopt a risk-based approach to ensure high-impact vulnerabilities are addressed first. Running routine scans to identify software gaps ensures that no critical update is overlooked.
2. Targeting legacy systems
Legacy systems often form the backbone of critical operations such as in hospitals or the state sector. Cybercriminals exploit these aging unpatched systems, knowing they are often deeply integrated into an organization’s workflows and contain valuable data. The consequences of an attack on legacy systems can ripple across an organization, impacting everything from supply chain operations to customer trust.
However, if replacing these systems isn’t immediately feasible, organizations should implement compensatory controls. For example, isolating legacy systems from the rest of the network through segmentation reduces the potential attack surface. If a breach occurs, it can be contained, preventing further damage. For systems that cannot be updated, virtual patching involves deploying security tools that simulate a patch by detecting and blocking attempts to exploit known vulnerabilities. While replacing legacy systems may not be feasible immediately, organizations should develop phased plans to migrate to modern solutions over time, ensuring long-term security.
3. Delivering ransomware through outdated software
Ransomware remains one of the most profitable tools in a cybercriminal’s arsenal, and outdated software provides an easy entry point for these attacks. Once inside a system, ransomware encrypts critical files, rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. The financial and operational impacts can be severe, often costing organizations millions in recovery efforts, lost productivity, and reputational damage.
To combat this, businesses should invest in endpoint security solutions that detect and block ransomware at the point of entry, significantly reducing the risk of a successful attack. Endpoint security solutions use behavior-based detection to identify and stop malicious activities in real time. In addition, ensuring regular and secure backups of critical data allows organizations to promptly restore their systems. It is mandatory that these backups be stored offline or in secure cloud environments to protect them from the attackers, who like to leverage them in order to coerce businesses into ransom payment.
4. Phishing hits the jackpot when businesses use outdated applications
Phishing campaigns may achieve better results in delivering malicious payloads, for instance, if they happen to encounter an unpatched email client, bypassing spam filters and making their phishing emails appear legitimate. From there, unsuspecting employees are more likely to click on malicious links or download infected attachments, granting attackers a foothold in the network.
Given that many small businesses cite phishing as their primary cyber threat, employee training is vital. Awareness programs should focus on recognizing phishing attempts, verifying email authenticity, and understanding the risk associated with clicking on unknown links. Moreover, advanced email filtering solutions can block phishing emails, flag suspicious links, and identify malicious attachments before they reach employees. Even if credentials are compromised through phishing, multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an additional layer of security, making it significantly harder for hackers to gain access in case a credential phishing attack succeeds.
5. Undermining compliance and regulatory requirements
In addition to security risks, outdated software can lead to non-compliance with regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, GDPR, or CCPA. These data regulations often mandate updated and secure software to protect sensitive data. Non-compliance not only exposes businesses to fines but also damages their reputation and erodes customer trust. Hackers are acutely aware of the compliance pressures facing businesses and often exploit these gaps to target organizations that lack robust defenses.
Conducting periodic software and compliance audits ensures that all systems meet the latest regulatory requirements. Managed service providers (MSPs) can help businesses maintain compliance by managing updates, monitoring systems, and addressing vulnerabilities proactively. Keeping detailed records of those updates, software versions, audit schedules, and compliance measures demonstrates accountability and readiness during regulatory reviews.
Setting priorities is essential
Reducing risks from outdated software goes beyond technical solutions; it demands a culture of cybersecurity within the organization and a prevention-first mindset. Leadership is essential in setting priorities, allocating resources, and fostering a proactive approach to software maintenance and risk management. Clear policies, cross-department collaboration, and alignment with frameworks like those maintained by NIST helps organizations systematically address software vulnerabilities by addressing both the technological and human factors.
Modern solutions leveraging AI and machine learning to improve endpoint protection platforms, and network monitoring tools enhance security by identifying threats and predicting vulnerabilities in real time. Cloud-based patch management further streamlines updates, ensuring consistent protection for both remote and on-site teams.
By prioritizing software maintenance and leveraging advanced technologies, businesses can safeguard their assets and establish themselves as reliable partners in their industries. Proactive investment in cybersecurity far outweighs the financial and operational consequences of a breach.
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