Outdated versions of software

Name:

Date:

Class:

Quick Questions

Shade in the A or B circle for each question.

1. Running an outdated version of software increases security risk.

A False

B True

2. Which is safer: applying security patches promptly, or delaying updates indefinitely?

A Delaying updates indefinitely

B Applying patches promptly

3. Software that has reached end-of-life still receives security patches.

A False

B True

4. Which poses more risk: the latest patched version, or a version with known unpatched vulnerabilities?

A Version with known unpatched vulnerabilities

B Latest patched version

5. Ignoring update notifications is a safe way to avoid disruption.

A False

B True

Match the Pairs

Draw a line connecting each item on the left to its match on the right.

Left column		Right column
1if version < latest: update()		ADisabling update checks, leaving the system outdated
2ignore_updates = True		BThe mistake: reverting to an outdated, unpatched version after updating
3Applying vendor patches closes known security vulnerabilities		Creplace_system(eol_software)
4Replacing end-of-life software removes unsupported, unpatched systems		DThe mistake: indefinitely delaying a required security upgrade
5postpone_upgrade()		Eapply_patch(latest_patch)
6restore_old_version()		FChecking if software is outdated and updating it

Definitions

Outdated software

Fill in the Blanks

Complete each line of code by filling in the missing parts.

_______________ = "1.2.0"

______________ = "2.0.0"

if a __ b:

def _________________():

_______________ = True

Spot the Error

Shade in the letter of the line that contains an error.

Question 1

A ignore_updates = True

B check_for_updates()

C install_patch()

Question 2

A check_for_updates()

B skip_patch = True

C apply_patch()

Question 3

A version = get_version()

B latest = get_latest()

C if version < latest: pass

Question 4

A use_legacy_library = True

B check_cve_database()

C update_library()

Question 5

A current_os = "Win7"

B still_supported = True

C flag_for_upgrade()

Answer Key

Outdated versions of software

Section A: Quick Questions

B — True

B — Applying patches promptly

A — False

A — Version with known unpatched vulnerabilities

A — False

Section B: Match the Pairs

if version < latest: update() → Checking if software is outdated and updating it

ignore_updates = True → Disabling update checks, leaving the system outdated

Applying vendor patches closes known security vulnerabilities → apply_patch(latest_patch)

Replacing end-of-life software removes unsupported, unpatched systems → replace_system(eol_software)

postpone_upgrade() → The mistake: indefinitely delaying a required security upgrade

restore_old_version() → The mistake: reverting to an outdated, unpatched version after updating

Section C: Definitions

Outdated software — Software that hasn't been updated with the latest security patches, leaving known vulnerabilities open for attackers to exploit.

Section D: Fill in the Blanks

current_version = "1.2.0"

latest_version = "2.0.0"

if a != b:

def check_for_updates():

patch_available = True

Section E: Spot the Error

A — Line 1 sets ignore_updates to True, which skips applying security patches for outdated software.

B — Line 2 skips applying the patch, leaving a known vulnerability unpatched.

C — Line 3 does nothing when the software is outdated, instead of triggering an update.

A — Line 1 keeps using a legacy library instead of updating to a patched version.

B — Line 2 wrongly marks an end-of-life OS as still supported, when it should be flagged for upgrade.