What can increase the likelihood of web application security incidents?

Relying on outdated software significantly increases the likelihood of web application security incidents due to several key factors. Outdated software often contains known vulnerabilities that have been documented and can be easily exploited by attackers. When patches and updates are not applied, these vulnerabilities remain unaddressed, allowing malicious actors to take advantage of them.

Additionally, many outdated software versions lack important security features that newer versions provide. This can include enhancements in encryption, authentication methods, and overall code improvements that can prevent exploitation. The absence of these features gives attackers more opportunities to breach the application and its data.

Furthermore, outdated software may not be compatible with or may not support the latest security protocols. This can lead to potential weaknesses in the security posture of the application and the overall system it operates within. Therefore, consistently using outdated software is a risk factor that can dramatically increase the chances of security incidents occurring within web applications.