As I.T. infrastructure evolves, what you would have been using ten years ago will not be so applicable. Modern hardware is so much faster. The cloud computing services model’s IaaS, PaaS and SaaS are now allowing you to reduce your costs.

So, the question you must ask is Are legacy systems still relevant? Legacy systems can be older hardware, older software or even a mixture of both. And whilst they are still being used they can become a major security risk. As they can offer a backdoor into your system. 

Why are legacy systems still being used?

For a small business with a tight budget. The time and money required to upgrade or replace what they are using might not be available. The software that a business is using might be bespoke software specifically designed for them. Or newer versions of what they are using will have features they don’t need. Or take away features that they need. Legacy software might only work on older operating systems that can’t be installed on modern hardware.

What are the security risks when using legacy systems?

When legacy systems are still being used, there will no longer be updates. Which will include security patches for any software and operating systems that are being used. This makes it easier for someone to find a backdoor into your I.T. infrastructure. Allowing data to be stolen or encrypted by ransomware. As data storage has moved to the cloud, why are USB sticks still being used? They can easily be used to steal data or to unwittingly spread a virus or ransomware throughout your I.T. infrastructure. 

What can be done to secure any legacy systems still being used?

Whenever legacy systems are still being used, there are certain measures that you can take that will ensure that will lessen chances of a security breach taking place. The first thing you should do is ensure that any legacy systems being used is no longer on your network. This will ensure that nobody can use them as a backdoor into your main systems. You should also restrict access to any legacy systems being used. The only people who should be allowed access are people who need to use as part of their daily job. For example, old payroll system software that you are using should only be accessed by your Accounts/HR team. If you are still using USB sticks or floppy disks to share data, why not use OneDrive, Google Drive or other cloud storage options. iPing can help you chose the best option for your company.

Is there a way that you can incorporate legacy systems with your modern infrastructure?

There are solution that will allow you to securely incorporate legacy systems into any modern I.T. systems that you might be using. By installing a virtual machine on one of your computers. Along with any software that will only work on that operating system. Oracle has a great product called Oracle VirtualBox which includes cross-platform support. It works on Windows 10. It is also small, quick and easy to setup. All you will need is ISO images of any operating systems and software that you want to use on your virtual machine.

Legacy systems can still have a seat at the table. Provided they are maintained and kept in a closed secure environment. NASA still use legacy systems on their spacecraft as they know how the systems work. And because they also keep them in a closed secure environment where nobody can find a backdoor to access them. As the cost of cloud computing service model’s, has come down in price. You can easily modernise your I.T. infrastructure at an affordable price. By using virtual machines to run any legacy systems that you need to use. 

iPing provides managed services and IT services. We can help provide you with an overview of your current setup, and what legacy systems you are still using. So, if you need some help with the above please contact us or give us a call on 01 5241350.