Umbraco 7 End of Life: Why You Must Upgrade Now to Stay Secure and Insurable

Date: June 11, 2025
Author: Virtualnet

Umbraco 7 Has Reached End of Life — What That Really Means for Your Business

On September 30, 2023, Umbraco 7 officially reached its End of Life (EOL). Since then, the platform has ceased to receive security patches, bug fixes, and technical support from the Umbraco HQ team. If your website is still running on Umbraco 7, it is now operating in a high-risk environment — and this is not just a technical concern; it's a business-critical issue.

Let’s break down what this means, the risks you're facing, and why upgrading isn't optional — especially in an era where cybersecurity insurance depends on up-to-date, secure systems.

The Real-World Risks of Staying on Umbraco 7

When software reaches EOL, vulnerabilities discovered post-support are never patched. That means any security flaw, no matter how severe, will remain open to exploitation — indefinitely.

Key risks include:

Data breaches due to known and unpatched vulnerabilities
Loss of compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS standards
Compatibility issues with modern browsers and third-party integrations
Loss of performance and SEO ranking due to outdated code and slow loading times
Ineligibility for cyber liability insurance coverage

Let’s focus on that last one.

Why Cybersecurity Insurance Depends on an Up-to-Date Website

Cybersecurity insurance providers are increasingly scrutinising the technical infrastructure of the businesses they underwrite. One of the first questions they ask is: Is your CMS up to date and receiving regular security patches?

If you're running Umbraco 7:

You're not compliant with best practices.
You’re at higher risk of denial for coverage or claim payout.
You may be in breach of contract with existing insurers, risking policy invalidation.

In other words, running EOL software like Umbraco 7 could disqualify your business from insurance protection when you need it most — after a breach.

What Are Your Upgrade Options?

Umbraco 8 also reached EOL in 2024, so the recommended upgrade path is to Umbraco 10 LTS or newer (e.g., Umbraco 13 LTS). These versions are:

Built on .NET Core (now .NET 6/8) for better performance and cross-platform support
Actively maintained with security patches and updates
More future-proof, modular, and faster than legacy versions

Upgrading isn’t a quick patch — it’s a rebuild. But it’s also an opportunity to modernise your site, optimise performance, and improve user experience across the board.

Why You Should Act Now

Waiting increases risk — technically, legally, and financially. A breach caused by outdated software can lead to:

Hefty fines for non-compliance
Loss of customer trust
Damaged brand reputation
Out-of-pocket costs that cyber insurance would have otherwise covered

By upgrading now, you not only protect your digital assets but also position your organisation to qualify for stronger, more comprehensive cyber insurance policies.

Need Help Making the Transition?

We specialise in helping businesses migrate from Umbraco 7 to secure, modern CMS platforms. Whether you’re looking to stick with Umbraco or consider alternatives, we’ll help assess your risks and craft a migration strategy that meets both your technical and insurance needs.

Final Word: Don’t treat End of Life like the end of the road. See it as a wake-up call — and an opportunity to build a faster, safer, and insurable digital presence.

Need a site audit or upgrade consultation?
Contact us today to discuss your next steps.