{"id":27018,"date":"2023-01-12T15:33:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-12T14:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/perseus.de\/a-separation-doesnt-always-have-to-hurt\/"},"modified":"2026-03-30T14:45:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T12:45:18","slug":"a-separation-doesnt-always-have-to-hurt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/perseus.de\/en\/a-separation-doesnt-always-have-to-hurt\/","title":{"rendered":"A separation doesn’t always have to hurt!"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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A separation doesn't always have to hurt!<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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IT Security | How-To | Everyday information <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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“Never change a winning team”. That’s the saying. That this attitude is not always advantageous is shown by cyber incidents that occur due to outdated technologies and unpatched applications. Surveys now show that the modernization of IT infrastructures in particular is at the top of the priority list of IT expert teams. <\/strong><\/p>

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If you read our blog posts regularly, you know that there are a few things that we preach again and again and strongly recommend to our customers at every opportunity. These include: <\/p>

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  1. Use only unique passwords for your applications<\/li>
  2. Create regular backups \u2013 preferably taking into account the 3-2-1 strategy<\/li>
  3. Patch your systems as soon as an update is available<\/li><\/ol>

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    Another aspect that is closely related to the last point in particular is that companies must also check their IT infrastructure to ensure that it is up-to-date and, if necessary, modernize it.<\/p>

    A 2021 survey by the company Ninjaone<\/a> shows that companies still have a lot of catching up to do, especially in this area. 1,000 IT managers worldwide were surveyed, 200 of whom work in German companies. Among other things, the study showed that IT modernization in particular is a high priority. The importance of this is shown by the fact that about one in five of those surveyed stated that the software and hardware they use is more than 10 years old. Far more seriously, nearly half (48%) said they had already experienced a cybersecurity incident in their organization that was due to insecure legacy systems. <\/p>

    The problem of outdated systems and outdated IT infrastructures does not arise overnight, but can be a gradual process. And there are many reasons why this can happen. On the one hand, companies are developing and growing. A company’s IT is also growing \u2013 and not always in a healthy way. Old systems are being expanded to meet new requirements. Whether the system can support and cope with the new expansions in the long term is sometimes neglected. In addition, it can happen that responsible persons leave the company \u2013 and take their know-how with them. Missing or incomplete documentation complicates the problem. Another reason may be that people are reluctant to adapt or expand processes in order not to run the risk of destroying the functioning system through a change \u2013 and thus also through a modernization that may be necessary. But in the long run, sticking to old systems can lead to failures and crashes. <\/p>

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    The following examples show why outdated IT infrastructures can be a danger to companies:<\/p>

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    Outdated software <\/strong><\/h4>

    A good example of outdated software is Windows 7<\/a>. The operating system received its last security update on January 14, 2020. After that, security support was discontinued after 10 years. In December 2021 \u2013 two years after the last security update \u2013 15 percent of all computers were still using Windows 7. <\/p>

    The risks of outdated software lie in unpatched security vulnerabilities. Ideally, when a vulnerability becomes known, manufacturers provide software patches that can close the gap and fix the problem. If this security support \u2013 as in the case of the Windows 7 operating system \u2013 no longer takes place without further ado, no patch is provided in an emergency and no updates can be installed to close the gap. This is problematic because attackers actively seek out these vulnerabilities to exploit them at will and gain access to systems. <\/p>

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    Outdated hardware<\/strong><\/h4>

    Humans are creatures of habit. This also applies to IT. It’s hard to part with your favorite devices or familiar routines. Computer users in particular hold on to old hardware because they are familiar with its operation. In addition, all applications are installed and stored on the device, and often all important data is stored there. A complete reinstallation seems too time-consuming and tedious to many. <\/p>

    The replacement and replacement of outdated equipment can also mean a massive cut in the already often very tight budget. If there are also compatibility problems between the existing programs and applications and the new devices, replacing the hardware seems even less worthwhile. <\/p>

    But even in the case of hardware, sticking to outdated devices (see legacy systems) can have significant negative consequences for the company. Production downtime can occur because the devices are too slow, do not work effectively, show signs of malfunction, or simply do not allow the installation and use of certain software. If you then hold on to unreliable hardware for too long, it is difficult to prevent a system failure sooner or later. In the worst case, this can lead to irreparable damage that ends with the irreversible loss of data. <\/p>

    In addition, there is also a risk that cybercriminals will use outdated hardware as a gateway for their attacks.<\/p>

    In short, both software and hardware should be checked regularly to ensure that it is up to date. The modernization of the IT infrastructure cannot be neglected in today’s world. <\/p>

    Important<\/strong>: Hardware must also be updated. One example is the Fritzbox. Here, too, updates must be installed regularly, otherwise vulnerabilities that have also arisen can be exploited by attackers. Similar to old software, it can happen that outdated hardware is no longer supported and no longer receives support. <\/p>

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    The right way to handle software updates<\/strong><\/h4>

    There are several aspects to consider when updating or even reinstalling software.<\/p>

    If you are informed that an application or program on your computer needs an update, do it immediately. If you do not have the appropriate authorization to perform the updates, contact your IT representative. They can perform the update for you or give you the rights for this task. <\/p>

    It is also important that you make sure that your device supports the new version of the software. You should clarify this with the software provider. If the software cannot run on your device, you should think about using the hardware, i.e. Change your computer or software. It is not advisable to continue using an outdated software version. <\/p>

    If the software is tied to other programs, it is also necessary to check whether compatibility is still given.<\/p>

    Something similar must be observed when changing or reinstalling. Here, too, it must be ensured that all devices are compatible with each other, support each other and can be used on the hardware used. <\/p>

    Furthermore, it must be ensured that the software is only obtained from trustworthy sources. Buy software only from the appropriate vendor. In case you use free software, make sure that you obtain and download it from trusted sites. <\/p>

    But even if you install updates as soon as it becomes necessary and regularly replace outdated software and hardware that no longer works reliably, there are a few things to consider.<\/p>

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    The correct disposal of hardware <\/strong><\/h4>

    One thing in advance: Electronic devices do not belong in the normal household waste, but must be disposed of separately. The legislator provides precise instructions for action here. There are several ways to dispose of it properly: <\/p>