Unsupported Systems, Hardware, and Software: Vulnerabilities Explained

Unsupported Systems, Hardware, and Software

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Question

When systems, hardware, or software are not supported by the original vendor, it is a vulnerability known as:

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Explanations

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A. B. C. D.

B.

The correct answer is B. End-of-life systems.

When a system, hardware, or software reaches its end-of-life (EOL), it means that the vendor no longer provides any support or maintenance for it. The vendor may also stop releasing patches or updates, which can leave the system vulnerable to attacks as new vulnerabilities are discovered.

End-of-life systems pose a security risk because they can no longer receive security updates and patches, leaving them vulnerable to exploits that can compromise their security. Hackers can take advantage of known vulnerabilities in EOL systems to gain unauthorized access, steal sensitive data, or disrupt system operations.

System sprawl, on the other hand, refers to the growth of an organization's IT infrastructure beyond its capacity to manage it effectively. Resource exhaustion occurs when a system or network is overwhelmed by excessive demands, such as a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. A default configuration refers to the initial settings or values of a system or software, which may not provide adequate security or may leave unnecessary services or ports open.

In summary, end-of-life systems represent a security vulnerability because they are no longer supported or maintained by the vendor, leaving them vulnerable to known and unknown exploits. Organizations should prioritize upgrading or retiring EOL systems to ensure the security and integrity of their IT infrastructure.