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deepmind.google·6d ago
AI Engineering
Hacker News·Aug 24·5 min read
Why older tech is sometimes safer from hackers
TL;DR
Older technology, like the email software Eudora, can sometimes be safer from hackers because cyber criminals often overlook these outdated tools. Security expert Mikko Hyppönen has relied on Eudora for years, finding it less targeted by modern threats.
✦ Why It Matters
Consider using less popular, older software for specific tasks to reduce exposure to modern cyber threats.
Key Takeaways
- Evaluate the security risks of modern software versus older alternatives.
- Consider using legacy systems for low-risk applications.
- Stay informed about vulnerabilities in both old and new technologies.
- Implement robust backup solutions, like magnetic tape, for critical data.
How It Works
The principle of 'security by antiquity' relies on the idea that as fewer people use older technologies, they become less attractive targets for hackers. For example, Eudora email software, once popular, is now largely ignored by cybercriminals, making it safer despite its known vulnerabilities.
Similarly, military applications favor older technologies like paper maps for their reliability and resistance to jamming.