Information Security Forum (ISF) Gets On the Case of Slow Movers in IT
Lagging behind in software updates leads to security holes and added costs. That’s the message from Michael de Crespigny, CEO of the Information Security Forum (ISF).
The CEO points out examples such as Microsoft encouraging customers to abandon older versions of software like IE6 (Internet Explorer V6) and move to current, more secure versions. The costs come from increases in downtime and support, especially as industry developments such as cloud computing and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) demand the latest versions of PC software.
ISF Visitors Also Need Updates
Besides monitoring nationwide data, the Information Security Forum also looks at the statistics concerning visitors to its own websites.
While Microsoft recently announced that IE6 use had diminished to less than 1% in the United States, the ISF sees that for what is mostly business access to its own websites, 7% is still done via IE6.
Reasons IT Resellers Can Use to Promote Upgrading
The ISF offers advice on how organizations can move towards a healthier state of affairs. In particular, the Information Security Forum puts forward a number of arguments that IT resellers can also adapt for use in discussions with its customers:
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Outdated software is often still in use because it wasn’t a snap to replace it. Professional assistance from an external expert can help smooth the migration.
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Advantages of running up-to-date software are increased IT systems availability, data confidentiality, and better data integrity, for overall operational improvement.
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Old platforms limit agility and innovation. They also deny companies access to business opportunities.
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Employee confidence and motivation is also increased by using up to date, high performance software, instead of suffering from the problems of out of date, unreliable versions.
Which software update need do you most frequently see with your clients? Do they need replacement products, external service, support, or all three? Would the findings from the Information Security Forum resonate with clients? Share your experiences in the COMMENTS section.
And to follow-through on the ideas introduced in this short post, be sure to download your free copy of the quick reference guide to the Top 9 IT Trade Associations for Small Business VARs, Integrators, IT Solution Providers, MSPs, System Builders, Computer Repair Businesses, and Computer Consulting Firms.
Creative Commons Image Source: flickr Wesley Fryer