Fortifying Defense: How critical security upgrades are the unsung heroes in protecting against cyber-attacks

The sharp increase in cyberattacks in 2024, fueled by outdated legacy systems, highlights the urgent need for businesses to upgrade their security measures to avoid severe financial, data, and reputational losses

Not a month goes by without news of a cyberattack making the headlines. Already in 2024, there have been over 9,000 publicly disclosed global security incidents resulting in an estimated 35 billion breached records, significantly up from the estimated 8 billion breached records in 2023 (IT Governance, 2024). Although the type of attack may vary, there’s one commonality among the statistics: most are a result of legacy hardware and software.

Legacy Hardware and Software as a Hidden Threat

A legacy is often fondly described as the long-lasting impact made by a person or event. In the security industry however, legacy refers to software or hardware that has been superseded, and often its continued presence becomes more hindrance than help, with the use of legacy solutions now considered an enabler in the increased likelihood of cyber-attacks.

These startling numbers paint a clear picture that upgrading security hardware and software is of critical importance for businesses around the world. The battleground of commerce and communication has shifted from the physical world to the digital world, and as technology advances, so do the methods employed by cybercriminals. In this shifting landscape, security systems are the frontline of defenses, making it imperative for businesses to maintain their cyber health in the relentless pursuit of security.

A Proactive Approach to Cybersecurity

As cyber and physical security continues to evolve, legacy software and hardware pose a serious threat to business efficiency, reputation, and competitive advantage. Organizations must ensure they are taking the necessary steps to fortify and best protect themselves against current and emerging cyber threats, with a focus on proactive rather than reactive cybersecurity hygiene measures.

It requires a double-pronged approach, a critical shift in mindset regarding the prevalence and severity of a potential cyber-attack, and a pronounced focus of system upgrades to best protect against current and emerging threats.

Assumptions that cyber-attacks are solely targeted at large scale enterprises are no longer valid, with attacks becoming more prevalent, sophisticated, and without discrimination, targeting individuals, small businesses, and complex organizations.

This acknowledgement of vulnerability needs to be accompanied by a greater understanding of the importance of regular security upgrades and the crucial part they play in bolstering protection against threats.

Customers should consider that their physical access control system is no different to any of their other business or enterprise systems. In other words, they deploy updates to their IT servers and desktop machines regularly, so their physical security should be no different.

In January 2024 there were nearly 30 billion records breached in 4,648 publicly disclosed security incidents – to put this in context, in December 2023 there were 2.3 billion records breached in 1,352 security incidents, demonstrating a massive uptick in cyber-attacks (Ford, 2024).

The Catastrophic Consequences of Legacy Systems

Software updates are the unsung heroes when it comes to online safety. Yes, they patch annoying bugs and add shiny new features, but their true strength lies in bolstering your digital defenses against ever-evolving threats.

Software updates may be the single best way to protect businesses from cyberattacks. It’s a proactive security measure that reduces the risks for companies to be exposed to cyber-attacks in which cybercriminals target their sensitive data. Responsible software companies have dedicated security teams constantly analyzing attack trends and proactively patching software against potential vulnerabilities.

The consequences of leaving legacy hardware and software in place can be catastrophic, ranging from financial losses and data theft to lasting damage to an organization’s reputation. Legacy systems become more vulnerable to attack with each passing day because they lack robust cybersecurity measures to combat modern and escalating threats, often hosting vulnerabilities that hackers readily exploit. And as regulatory bodies and governments worldwide tighten their grip on data protection and privacy, failure to meet these evolving standards can result in significant legal consequences, including hefty fines.

Continuous Innovation as Gallagher’s Solution

Threats like these inform our cybersecurity efforts here at Gallagher. We hold our products to a higher standard by subjecting them to some of the most rigorous testing in the industry, employing a combination of in-house and third-party penetration testing and collaborating with everyone from standards accrediting bodies to hobbyist hackers to fortify our solutions against the threats of the future. As a result, our solutions meet the cybersecurity needs of both commercial entities and those operating in high security, like government bodies, militaries, and critical infrastructure sites.

Gallagher’s award-winning site management platform, Command Centre, was the first system to offer alarm, access, and perimeter security in one single product, and offer continual enhancements by way of two major releases each year to ensure customers remain at the forefront of innovation.

Upgrading security hardware and software is not merely a matter of keeping up; it’s about staying ahead of the curve. Today’s cybersecurity defense technologies provide proactive measures to significantly enhance a business’s ability to defend itself – and its reputation – against increasingly sophisticated attacks. The defenses supplied by upgraded systems are no longer an option – they’re a necessity and strategic imperative. Cyber threats will continue to evolve and adapt. It’s up to businesses to invest in the protection of their future.

Gallagher will be showcasing their innovative, award-winning suite of security technology at Intersec Saudi Arabia at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre from October 1-3. Visit the team at stand #2-D24. For more information visit security.gallagher.com