According to statistics, the world will be home to 75 billion connected devices by 2025. Such gadgets are those you can connect via the internet or Bluetooth. In any case, that’s three times more than the count back in 2019!

Those figures prove just how fast technology is accelerating.

Despite that, many businesses still rely on outdated technology. However, using old technology comes with health, safety, and security risks.

We’ll explain those threats in more detail below, so be sure to read on.

Exposure to Toxic PBDEs

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are toxic chemical flame-retardants used in certain products. That includes electronics, such as televisions, computers, cell phones, and faxes.

The problem with PBDEs is that they can off-gas, resulting in dangerous exposure. Experts link PBDE exposure with hormonal, thyroid, and reproductive issues. In addition, it may result in fertility woes and even congenital disabilities.

The US government has phased out most PBDEs, with the last one being in 2013. Thus, products made before that may still contain and off-gas the toxins.

That should be enough reason to stop using outdated business electronics. Besides, many brands now make electronics that don’t use such toxins. Examples are Acer, Apple, Canon, Dell, Erickson, HP, Intel, LG, Motorola, Nokia, and Sony.

Electrical and Fire Dangers

Outdated business appliances and electronics are less energy-efficient than their modern counterparts. Unfortunately, that means they use more energy, spiking up your business’ electricity bills.

Worse, old appliances and devices may not meet current electrical safety standards. Thus, their continued use may lead to electrical injuries and fires.

Note that of the 110,900 cases of non-residential fires in the US in 2019, 7.3% were due to electrical malfunctions. That’s on top of the 3.7% cases that resulted from equipment failure and 3.6% caused by appliances.

So, get your appliances and tech updated before those events occur. It’s also best to learn more online about the upgrades you can make to prevent electrical dangers.

Cybersecurity Risks

Outdated computers and operating systems no longer receive security updates. The problem is that it makes them more prone to malware, such as ransomware. The worst ransomware attacks, in turn, demanded ransoms as high as $40 million.

Aside from ransomware, other malware types exist, including spyware, Trojans, viruses, and worms.

In any case, outdated technology puts your business at risk of cybersecurity threats.

At the very least, malware infections can lead to poor computer performance. That can then lead to low productivity levels at the office.

More than that, criminals can steal your precious, sensitive data. They can then sell it or use it to commit fraud or identity theft.

All that makes updating technology for a business, especially legacy systems, a must.

Say Goodbye to Outdated Technology ASAP

As you can see, there are so many risks involved in the continued use of outdated technology. There’s toxic exposure, electrical injuries, fires, and cybercrime. All that can occur in your business if you keep using old tech.

So, upgrade your business appliances and electrical devices before any of that happens.

Did you find this guide educational? If so, you’re sure to like our other posts, so feel free to read our latest articles!