End-of-Life Explained
As technology advances at a breakneck pace, products eventually reach a stage where they can no longer keep up. This point, known as End-of-Life (EOL), is when manufacturers stop offering support, updates, and critical security patches for a product. Without regular maintenance and updates, these outdated systems become increasingly vulnerable, forcing organizations to consider the risks of running unsupported software and hardware. EOL is inevitable, but it’s a call for businesses to embrace the future with newer, more secure technologies.
Although no longer receiving updates or support, end-of-life (EOL) software continues to play a role in organizations across the globe. Here’s a look at widely used software that persists despite its discontinued status:
- Windows XP: Released in 2001 and discontinued in 2014, it remains renowned for its straightforward functionality and minimal resource requirements, establishing a reputation as one of the most reliable operating systems ever created.
- Adobe Flash: Released in 1996 and discontinued in 2020, Flash remained a go-to platform for accessing older media and interactive web elements, even after its official phase-out.
- Java 6: Released in 2006 and reaching its end of life in 2018, Java 6 remained integral to various corporate systems, continuing to be utilized despite its discontinued status.
- Microsoft Office 2003: Released in 2003 and discontinued in 2013, this version of the productivity suite was appreciated for its classic interface and continued to be favored by users hesitant to adopt newer designs.
- Mozilla Firefox Extended Support Release (ESR): Versions including 52, 60, 68, 78, and 91, were specifically designed for enterprises and organizations that needed longer support cycles and greater stability. These versions provided extended security and compatibility, catering to users requiring more time before upgrading. Each version reached its end-of-life within a year of its successor’s release, with Firefox ESR 102 being the final supported version, which reached EOL in September 2023.
Defining an EOL Product
An End-of-Life (EOL) product is characterized by several key factors:
- Discontinued Manufacturing: The product is no longer being produced.
- Expired Certification: Its certifications will not be renewed.
- No Updates or Support: The product will no longer receive updates for firmware, utilities, features, bug fixes, critical security patches
- Replacement with Newer Models: It may be superseded by a newer product offering updated hardware and similar functionality.
- End of Updates and Security Patches: Once the product reaches End-of-Life, there will be no further updates to its firmware, utilities, website, or manuals. With the discontinuation of security updates, the product will be more susceptible to cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
End-of-Life, but still in use: Why do they persist?
Relying on unsupported software can expose organizations to severe risks, yet many continue to operate on end-of-life systems. While this might seem like negligence, it often stems from a combination of technical, financial, and organizational factors.
- Unique operational needs
In some cases, end-of-life (EOL) operating systems offer specific features and functionalities that newer versions no longer support. Businesses that depend on these unique capabilities often face significant disruptions when trying to migrate. A newer operating system may lack critical tools or features, resulting in broken solutions or the need for expensive and time-consuming alternatives to maintain functionality.
- Financial and Human resource challenges
Updating an operating system isn't just a matter of funding, it's about priorities. Businesses often redirect limited budgets toward higher-priority initiatives, like developing new features or meeting operational expenses. On top of this, IT departments may lack the time and staff to manage the complexities of migration projects, especially when the current system, though outdated, is still functional.
- Migration Hurdles
For organizations managing extensive or interconnected systems, migrating to a new platform can feel like an insurmountable task. Large-scale upgrades may involve significant downtime, system-wide compatibility issues, or even disruptions to essential services. Sometimes, the risks tied to the migration process itself outweigh the security concerns of running an EOL system.
- Lack of accountability
One of the most overlooked reasons businesses stick with outdated systems is the lack of clear ownership. In some organizations, no team or individual is officially responsible for managing the lifecycle of software. This can stem from leadership gaps, shared ownership of IT infrastructure, or simply a lack of urgency. When accountability is unclear, migration projects are often postponed indefinitely, leaving the organization vulnerable.
End-of-Life, start of trouble: Key risks you can't ignore
Organizations relying on end-of-life (EOL) software are navigating dangerous territory. Outdated systems come with a cascade of risks, from glaring security vulnerabilities to escalating costs, impacting every corner of operations. Let's break down the key dangers and why moving to supported solutions is critical.
- Unsecured systems
One of the gravest risks of using EOL software is the absence of security updates. Once support ends, vendors no longer provide patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities, leaving systems defenseless against cyberattacks. Threat actors are quick to exploit these weaknesses, often targeting EOL systems because they know organizations might delay upgrades. Breaches can lead to sensitive data being stolen or held for ransom, costing businesses their reputation and money.
- Compatibility Conflicts: A Productivity Killer
EOL software struggles to keep pace with modern technology. Its inability to integrate with new hardware or software features can cause system crashes, operational disruptions, and lower productivity. For example, an outdated operating system may not support the latest software tools, leaving employees unable to fully utilize advanced features that could enhance their work efficiency. Additionally, organizations reliant on legacy systems miss opportunities to adopt innovative solutions, falling behind competitors leverage cutting-edge technology.
- Compliance risks
Using EOL software isn't just a security gamble, it can also land organizations in legal trouble. Many industries enforce strict regulations that require secure, up-to-date systems to protect sensitive data. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to fines, legal penalties, and damage to the organization's reputation. To avoid these pitfalls, businesses must ensure that they are operating within the compliance standards by replacing EOL systems with robust, supported alternatives.
- Spiraling Costs: The Hidden Price of Staying Outdated
Contrary to popular belief, sticking with EOL software isn't cost effective. The lack of vendor support means organizations must allocate additional resources for maintenance, often hiring specialized IT staff or consultants. Downtime caused by compatibility issues with newer hardware or software can lead to revenue loss, while security breaches result in costly remediation efforts. The cumulative costs of maintaining EOL systems can quickly surpass the expense of upgrading to supported solutions.
Identifying EOL devices and their hidden threats
Outdated software and out-of-warranty hardware might be lurking in overlooked areas of your server room or within seldom-used virtual machines (VMs). These at-risk systems can be difficult to detect, especially when you're managing a network with hundreds of devices. Identifying them is crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of your network. Here are several effective methods that can help organizations uncover these outdated systems.
- Leverage Vulnerability Scanners
Vulnerability scanners are an essential tool for detecting EOL operating systems. These scanners scan your network to identify devices running outdated software or systems and cross-reference the versions with a database of known vulnerabilities. If any vulnerabilities are discovered, the scanner generates a detailed report that can guide remediation efforts. Vulnerability scanners can be used to assess both on-premises and cloud-based networks, as well as mobile devices. Popular scanners, such as Tenable Nessus and OpenVAS, are capable of detecting EOL systems across various environments.
- Asset Inventory
This is a comprehensive list of all hardware and software assets within the organization. Regularly updated asset inventories help track the age, model, and version of devices and applications. By cross-referencing with vendor EOL announcements, organizations can easily identify devices or software approaching or already at EOL. It also enables the detection of systems that may not have been properly upgraded, ensuring timely replacement or upgrade to avoid security risks.
- Utilize Endpoint Management Tools
Endpoint management tools are crucial for gaining centralized control and visibility over the devices in your network. These tools provide information on the operating systems and software versions running on each device. By using endpoint management solutions, organizations can quickly identify EOL systems, assess their risks, and take necessary actions to reduce vulnerabilities. Common endpoint management tools like Microsoft Endpoint Manager and VMware Workspace ONE help organizations maintain a comprehensive inventory of their devices and track their software status.
- Access Public Databases for EOL Information
Public databases, such as the End-of-Life Date (EoLD) database, are valuable resources for identifying EOL systems. These databases provide up-to-date information on operating systems, including their respective end-of-support dates. For organizations looking to easily track EOL software, these databases offer a straightforward and reliable reference. By leveraging vulnerability scanners, endpoint management tools, and public databases, organizations can effectively identify and manage EOL devices and software, ensuring their network remains secure and up to date.
EOL Spotlight: What’s saying goodbye in 2025?
- Microsoft
Windows 10, introduced in July 2015, gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and features like Cortana. Despite the launch of Windows 11, Windows 10 remained as the most widely used desktop operating system through 2024 and into mid-2025. On October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will officially reach its End-of-Life, marking the end of new licenses being issued. While standard support will cease, security updates may still be available for a fee in certain cases, and Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) users will benefit from extended update periods. Although the product is nearing the end of its lifecycle, Microsoft has offered extended support options for select licenses, delaying the full end-of-support timeline for specific users.
- SonicWall
Entering 2025, SonicWall is retiring several flagship products, highlighting the importance of timely upgrades to maintain security and support. The SonicWall TZ 300/300W models, set to reach their End-of-Life in January 2025, are being replaced by the more advanced TZ350 series, offering improved performance and robust protection. Similarly, the SonicWall NSA 2600, which concluded its End-of-Support in March 2024, has been succeeded by the state-of-the-art NSa 2700 model.
- Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks' Expedition tool, introduced as a free and powerful solution, revolutionized the way organizations migrated from other firewall vendors to its own advanced platform. By automating configuration setups, policy translations, and offering deep visibility during the transition, Expedition made the complex task of firewall migration far simpler and faster. It became an indispensable tool for IT teams, streamlining the process and reducing migration complexity. However, as of December 31, 2024, Expedition has reached its End-of-Life (EoL), signaling the end of its availability and support. For organizations that have relied on this tool, it's time to explore alternative migration options to continue their seamless transitions.
End-of-Life Devices: A hotspot for recent cyber exploits
Future-proofing your tech stack
Mitigating the risk of End-of-Life (EOL) technology requires a forward-thinking strategy. Regularly updating your IT asset inventory helps track products nearing EOL, while planning for timely upgrades or replacements ensures that the organization remains ahead of obsolescence. Staying informed through vendor notifications allows you to allocate resources and budget accordingly. Prioritizing technologies with longer life cycle and investing in backups can safeguard against transition delays. Avoiding EOL systems not only reduces security and compliance risks but also ensures your organization's reputation and operational stability remain intact.
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