Troubleshooting Is it a security risk using a old version of a program or application?

[ng4ever]

Describe the problem

Newest version doesn't work as well.

What have you tried?

Tried updating to the latest and greatest with no solution.

How much so though ?

 

[DDE_Server]

there hackers who may exploit the vulnerabilities in your obsolete (outdated) programs

 

[ng4ever]

there hackers who may exploit the vulnerabilities in your obsolete (outdated) programs

Thanks.

 

[Vasudev]

If the new update causes/introduces more problems its best to switch to older app that worked fine. And I'd skip the buggy one and install/wait patiently for 2-3 releases.
You can follow the same method for apps,drivers,BIOS, firmware etc...

 

[DDE_Server]

if you cannot update it manually you can use some updater programs such as Patch My PC Home Updater - Download | Patch My PC or Kaspersky Software Updater tool that updates applications installed on your computer

 

[DDE_Server]

if you insist to use old one i would suggest some anti-exploit software to shield it from being targeted such as Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit or forticlient as it contains antiexploit module and its free Forticlient - Next Generation Endpoint Protection

 

[DDE_Server]

i used patch my pc it is perfect lightweight free and portable program which scan your pc for oudated program and patch them silently

 

[RoboMan]

Well, it is... and it's not.

The main reasons why newer software versions are released are: bug fixes/security patches and new features/modules for it.

As for the first reason, I might say it's a must to update it. You can check the logs and see what were they main changes or fixes in the new version and then choose wether to update or not.
For the second reason, it's entirely up to you. If we're talking about antivirus/antimalware solution, as long as your virus database are up to date, you should be statically protected. But you may be missing new modules or features updates that can dynamically protect you better.

Oh, and don't forget to report the bugs you found on the new version, so they can fix it soon! :=)

 

[SumTingWong]

You might experience glitch, bug or crash that can be fixed by updating to the latest version.

 

[Takashi94]

Use Ninite to automatically update, it contains lot of popular software in its pack list.

 

[TairikuOkami]

How much so though ?

If the software in question does not have an access to the internet, like it is blocked in the firewall, not so much. It could still be exploited by a malware downloaded via a browser, but it is unlikely. Not to mention, the less known software, the less likely it will be exploited.

You might experience glitch, bug or crash that can be fixed by updating to the latest version.

On the contrary, a lot of software works perfectly fine, but it starts crashing or causing bugs, because of new features, like CCleaner.

 

[LASER_oneXM]

im also using s software updater to check if my software is still up to date.
Here is a list with this kind of software at the bleepingcomputer.com forum (date: 19 April 2018 ):
Now that Secunia PSI becomes End-of-life, is Kaspersky Software Updater as good? - General Security

...and a link to an article from the post above: 11 Free Programs That Help Keep Your Software Updated

i think using outdated programs can be very risky... ...just like using an outdated operating system....

 

[shmu26]

It depends a lot what software it is. Some software is pretty safe and/or is not targeted by malware, so you can use older versions.
If it is Adobe PDF reader, get the latest version. If it is a little freebee audio converter from wav to mp3 that no one ever heard of, you can use an old version.

 

[bribon77]

Is it a security risk using a old version of a program or application?..In theory YES.

 

[Vasudev]

These days newer SWs has more problems than bug fixes, so newer isn't always better. For example Intel CPU Spectre variant 4.