The digital world is a complex battlefield, and legacy systems are often its most vulnerable targets. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, organizations must adapt to protect their critical infrastructure. A recent IDC study highlights the severity of the problem, revealing that cyberattacks have become a significant financial burden for businesses. 72% of companies reported substantial financial or data losses and have incurred $ 5.2 M due to cyber incidents in the past year alone.
Legacy systems, while still operational, often struggle to meet modern cybersecurity standards. As these systems age, they pose greater risks, necessitating a proactive cyber resilience strategy. Here are three critical challenges related to legacy technologies and practical actions organizations can take to enhance their cyber defenses.
Challenge 1: The Aging Digital Fortress
The rapid shift to remote work and cloud-based solutions has left many legacy systems exposed. These outdated systems often lack essential security patches and updates, making them vulnerable to new threats.
Solution:
Conduct a comprehensive audit of legacy systems to assess their role and impact on business-critical processes. Prioritize the modernization or replacement of high-risk systems. While short-term costs may be involved, the long-term benefits of reduced cyber risk and improved operational efficiency are significant.
Challenge 2: Regulatory Compliance: A Tightening Noose
Governments worldwide are tightening cybersecurity regulations, and organizations with outdated infrastructure are at risk of non-compliance.
Solution:
Maintain an up-to-date hardware refresh cycle and enforce strict patch management protocols. Regularly evaluate the health of your IT infrastructure and consider adopting hybrid models to modernize legacy systems. This not only protects against fines but also enhances overall security posture.
Challenge 3: The Skills Gap: A Looming Threat
As the workforce ages, finding skilled professionals with expertise in legacy systems is becoming increasingly difficult. A survey by Microscan Communications revealed that many companies are concerned about the lack of mainframe skills among new hires. This skills gap can hinder modernization efforts and leave organizations dependent on outdated technologies.
Solution:
Engage with current legacy system experts to understand their retirement plans and consider implementing training programs to upskill existing employees. Partnering with managed service providers who specialize in legacy systems can also help bridge the skills gap.
Don’t let legacy systems expose your organization to cyber threats. Contact us now to modernize your infrastructure and enhance your cyber resilience.
Stay protected and ahead of the curve!
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