Why older tech is sometimes safer from hackers

Why older tech is sometimes safer from hackers

Cyber security experts are increasingly turning to outdated technology as a defense against hackers, a concept known as 'security by antiquity.' Finnish expert Mikko Hyppönen used the obsolete Eudora email software for years, while others stick with old Nokia phones or paper maps. The strategy exploits the fact that criminals focus on widely used systems, leaving older tech overlooked. From magnetic tape backups to eLoran navigation, this article explores why 'new' doesn't always mean 'best' in security, and how embracing obsolescence can offer surprising protection.

You'll never see magnetic tape thrown around a parking lot.

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2026-08-24