An organization is still using several workstations that run an operating system whose vendor ended support last year. Which of the following security concerns is MOST directly associated with continuing to operate this unsupported system?
The system contains unpatched vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.
The operating system will automatically disable network services when weaknesses are detected.
The only impact is higher power and cooling costs due to outdated hardware.
User productivity will decrease because the OS lacks new usability features.
When a product reaches end-of-support, the vendor no longer supplies security patches. Any newly discovered vulnerability therefore remains permanently unpatched, leaving the system open to exploitation. This lack of patching-not power consumption, lost features, or self-protective shutdowns-is the primary security risk. Compensating controls such as network isolation can help, but they do not eliminate the root issue.
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What does 'end-of-support' mean for an operating system?
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What are unpatched vulnerabilities, and why are they dangerous?
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How can network isolation help protect unsupported systems?