Current and Upcoming Software Removal Campaigns

📅 Overview

ITS is committed to maintaining secure and efficient systems. As part of this initiative, we are deprecating and removing software that is obsolete or has reached its end of life (EOL). This article provides up-to-date information about the software currently being removed, upcoming removal campaigns, alternatives, and the process for requesting exceptions.

🛑 Current Software Removal Campaigns

1. Microsoft Silverlight Start date: 12/18/2024

• Version(s) being removed: All versions (EOL since October 2021)

• Reason for removal: Silverlight is no longer supported, posing significant security risks.

• Recommended alternatives: Modern web technologies such as HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS3.

• Action required:

  • Users are advised to remove Silverlight manually if it is still installed.

2. Adobe Reader (Older Versions) Pending

• Version(s) being removed: Versions prior to Adobe Reader DC (EOL versions pre-2017)

• Reason for removal: Older versions of Adobe Reader have unresolved vulnerabilities and are no longer supported by Adobe.

• Recommended alternatives:

  • Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (free)

  • Foxit Reader (free)

• Action required:

  • Install Adobe Acrobat Reader DC through the Company Portal application or an alternative from the university’s software portal.

  • Uninstall outdated versions of Adobe Reader by following the instructions here.

🚀 Upcoming Software Removal Campaigns

1. [Placeholder] TBD

• Version(s) being removed:

• Planned removal date:

• Recommended alternatives:

  • [Alternative] (free)

• Action required:

  • Users should upgrade to the latest version of [placeholder].

❗ What to Do If You Need an Older Version

If your work or project requires the use of software versions slated for removal, you can request a Security Exception. To do so, please click here to submit a ticket. Clearly explain why the older software version is necessary and how you intend to use it. A Security Exception is only granted when a documented, technical reason exists for operating a device in deviation of the University Information Security Policies. Exceptions are subject to yearly review and devices may be subject to additional compensating controls.

🔄 Ongoing Campaign Updates

This article will be updated as additional software removal campaigns are planned. Please check back regularly for the latest information.

For any questions or technical assistance, contact the IT Help Desk at techsupport.uconn.edu.

Last Updated: 12/12/2024