The recent SharePoint breach targeting on-premises SharePoint servers has sent shockwaves across industries. Exploited zero-day vulnerabilities allowed bad actors to gain footholds in critical systems—reminding us just how dangerous outdated infrastructure can be when left unguarded.

Microsoft issued fix instructions to mitigate the threat of cyberattacks; however, many organizations have already been hacked, including DHS and HHS. The danger is real.

What’s Most at Risk?

SharePoint breach vulnerabilities were found in older, on-prem SharePoint deployments—especially those:

• Running unsupported operating systems
• Lacking recent security patches
• Deployed on aging server hardware
• Operating without zero-trust protections or modern threat detection

These assets often linger in backrooms, long past their prime, quietly waiting to become entry points for cyberattacks.

Mitigation Starts with Responsible Asset Retirement

The first step toward risk mitigation isn’t just patching—it’s retiring vulnerable equipment safely and securely. Here’s what companies should be doing:

• Audit legacy infrastructure: Identify outdated servers and software.
• Decommission responsibly: Partner with a certified ITAD service provider to ensure proper data destruction and secure disposal.
• Demand accountability: Look for providers that offer chain-of-custody tracking, 
• Go cloud-first: Migrate to secure, scalable platforms like SharePoint Online—leaving the legacy vulnerabilities behind.

The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) included the following instructions in their response guidance: “Disconnect public-facing versions of SharePoint Server that have reached their end-of-life (EOL) or end-of-service (EOS) from the internet.”

Why ITAD Matters More Than Ever

Data doesn’t disappear when devices power down. Whether it’s credentials, tokens, or sensitive metadata, remnants on decommissioned devices are a treasure trove for attackers. A reputable ITAD partner turns those potential liabilities into clean exits—with verification every step of the way.

Companies shouldn’t wait for the next breach to rethink infrastructure security. The message is clear: Retire IT Right.

Maxxum is ready to help you assess your inventory and retire old assets securely and responsibly. Contact us today to get started.