2 min to readSecurity

Adobe sunsets Acrobat 2020: what does it mean for your security?

Martin Roskelly Global Security Services Leader

An aerial view of a road surrounded by trees.

Adobe is ending support for Acrobat 2020, leaving businesses at risk of security vulnerabilities from unpatched software. Without ongoing updates and security fixes, outdated versions of Acrobat could become an easy target for cyber threats.

The hidden costs of unsupported software

Organisations still relying on Acrobat 2020 face more than just the immediate security risk — there are significant hidden costs to consider:

Unexpected upgrade expenses: Businesses may need to purchase new Adobe software or explore alternative PDF solutions to stay compliant and secure. Without proper planning, this can lead to unbudgeted expenses and rushed procurement decisions.
Increased security risks: Unpatched vulnerabilities are one of the easiest ways for attackers to infiltrate an organisation. A single exploited weakness could result in malware infections, data breaches, or ransomware attacks — each carrying potential financial and reputational damage.
Regulatory and compliance penalties: Many industries must comply with strict data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, NIS2). Using unsupported software can put organisations at risk of non-compliance, leading to fines, legal action, and loss of customer trust.
Productivity loss and operational disruptions: When outdated software becomes a security liability, IT teams must spend extra time managing risks, applying workarounds, and monitoring vulnerabilities. This reactive approach drains resources and diverts focus from strategic IT initiatives.
Shadow IT and unmanaged software risks: Without centralised control, employees may seek their own alternatives — downloading unauthorised or outdated versions of Acrobat. This increases exposure to security risks and creates additional management challenges for IT teams.

How SoftwareOne can help

SoftwareOne provides a comprehensive approach to managing software security and compliance:

Software Asset Management (SAM): Identify and address unpatched Acrobat 2020 deployments across your organisation.
Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing (VAPT): Scan your network for security gaps and potential exploits before attackers do.
Managed security services: Gain 24/7 security monitoring and protection without the overhead of an in-house Security Operations Centre (SOC).

With Adobe’s end of support as a catalyst, now is the time to assess your organisation’s security posture. SoftwareOne can help you uncover risks, take proactive action, and strengthen your defenses before vulnerabilities turn into breaches.

Let’s secure your software estate — before it becomes a liability.