We are now in 2019 and still using outdated operating systems or software versions. We are making themselves vulnerable to online hazards and known security vulnerabilities/exploits.
Security leader, Avast has released their PC Trends Report of 2019. This reveals that millions of users are making themselves vulnerable to cyber attacks by using outdated versions of popular applications on their personal computers or laptops.
According to the report, Adobe Shockwave is on the top of the list of software that most users left outdated on their PCs. It followed by the popular VLC Media Player, Skype, Java Runtime Environment, 7-Zip File Manager, and Foxit Reader.
The outdated software applications are providing an open door for cybercriminals and hackers to take advantage of loopholes and security bugs on the same. So it becomes a potential target of cyber attacks.
Not only outdated applications but also out of date operating systems. Almost 15% of all Windows 7 computers and 9% of all Windows 10 computers are running an outdated version of the operating systems.
In the official blog, Avast President Ondrej Vlcek said, “Most of us replace our smartphone regularly, but the same cannot be said for our PCs. With the average age of a PC now reaching six years old, we need to be doing more to ensure our devices are not putting us at unnecessary risk”.
“With the right amount of care, such as cleaning our hardware’s insides using cleaners, optimization and security products, PCs will be safe and reliable for even longer.”
The report also shows the uses of out of date MS Office program.
So to protect yourself from the online hazards, always use the updated version of the software versions. This can protect you from hackers from taking advantage of the vulnerable software versions you are using. If you are using these software, it is recommended to update it ASAP.
