There are so many helpful and inexpensive programs out in the cyber world that it becomes difficult to avoid installing them, especially when it is meant to create efficiency. Why would you pass on that offer? Well, there are actually many reasons why you should think twice before downloading one. Third-party programs can become a serious security problem.
When you install a third-party program, you do not have any real control over what goes on with that programming system. In other words, you have no actual way of managing such program’s security risks. Third-party software’s vulnerability is mainly security compromises and once these are exploited, breaches occur. Many times, companies tend to overlook these security issues because they are more likely to examine those dealing with confidential data. By doing this, a blind spot is created giving hackers a leeway into the company’s system. These issues tend to become more prevalent as the software speeds up the business process.
Aside from a third party software containing weaknesses and giving leeway to hackers, there are other security risks that can come from these programs. The program could have unmaintained codes. With something like this, the program can fail at doing what it is intended to. Its performance and functionality would be obstructed. Because you have no control over the system, you also are at risk of having security holes that are not being taken cared of as quickly or effectively as it should be. If your company is using Open Source Software (OSS) where multiple suppliers are adding or deleting certain codes, it can create a compromised system.
If your company uses Open Source Software, it does not mean you’re using a bad program. The truth is that they can be effective software to have, but in order to know if you are downloading the right program, you need a person of expertise to analyze the program. If you are looking for a software program to service a specific need in your business but don’t know which are the safest to use, contact M&H Consulting.
Categorised in: Third Party Programs