Understanding End-of-Life: What You Need to Know

January 27, 2025

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 Without regular maintenance and updates, these outdated systems become increasingly vulnerable, forcing organizations to consider the risks of running unsupported software and hardware.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:  

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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:

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.  

  1. 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.
  1. 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.  
  1. 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.  
  1. 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.  

  1. 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.  
  1. 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.  
  1. 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.  
  1. 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.

EOL Spotlight: What’s saying goodbye in 2025?

Product End-of-Life date
Windows 10 October 14, 2025
Azure DevOps Server 2019 April 8, 2025
Product End-of-Life date
SonicWall TZ 300/300W January 23, 2025
Product End-of-Life date
SonicWall TZ 300/300W January 23, 2025

End-of-Life Devices: A hotspot for recent cyber exploits

Product Description EOL Date Key Vulnerabilities Exploitation Insights
Windows XP EternalBlue, a Windows exploit developed by the NSA, was infamously used in the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack. It targets a vulnerability in Microsoft's Server Message Block (SMB) protocol, tricking unpatched systems into accepting malicious data packets. These packets can deliver ransomware, trojans, or other harmful programs. April 8, 2014 CVE-2017-0145 aka “EternalBlue” vulnerability Exploited in 2017 by WannaCry ransomware to propagate across networks, encrypt files, and demand Bitcoin ransom. Many EOL systems remained unpatched.
Reolink RLC-410W A wireless IP camera with 4MP HD recording, night vision, motion detection, and remote access features. April 3, 2022 CVE-2021-40407 Exploited vulnerabilities in discontinued models underlined the importance of transitioning to secure alternatives.
NUUO NVRmini2 A compact Network Video Recorder for small-to-medium surveillance systems, offering remote access. October 1, 2023 CVE-2022-23227 Actively exploited and added to the CISA KEV catalog in December 2024, highlighting risks from legacy systems.
Ivanti CSA 4.6 An IT asset management tool with asset discovery, software metering, and patch management features. August, 2024 CVE-2024-8190 Post-EOL, critical vulnerabilities emerged, emphasizing the need to upgrade to supported platforms for secure operations.

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.

Sources Cited:

  1. https://www.spiceworks.com/it-articles/end-of-life-software-dangers/
  2. https://tuxcare.com/blog/the-risks-of-running-an-end-of-life-os-and-how-to-manage-it/
  3. https://blog.1password.com/end-of-life-software/
  4. https://blog.qualys.com/product-tech/2024/07/09/understanding-the-hidden-cyber-risk-from-tech-debt-eol-eos
  5. https://www.cyberdefensemagazine.com/how-to-identify-and-respond-to-end-of-life-and-out-of-service-operating-systems/
  6. https://www.acrocommerce.com/article/how-to-determine-if-your-software-has-met-end-of-life
  7. https://www.uscloud.com/blog/windows-10-end-of-life/
  8. https://logically.com/blog/the-true-costs-of-failing-to-replace-end-of-life-technology/
  9. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/gadgets-news/microsoft-will-end-support-for-windows-10-in-2025/articleshow/83507763.cms  
  10. https://endoflife.date/  

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