In today’s digital landscape, data security is more crucial than ever. Software providers are continually updating their products to protect users from emerging threats and vulnerabilities. Sage, a leading provider of business management solutions, has announced a significant security update affecting Sage 100 and Sage 300 users. This update, set to take effect on October 31, 2025, will impact how these products communicate with Sage licensing servers, particularly for customers using older Windows and Windows Server versions.
This blog post will explain the details of the update, its implications, and the steps you need to take to ensure uninterrupted access to your Sage software.
Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and one of the most effective ways to mitigate risk is by strengthening encryption protocols. Encryption ciphers are algorithms that secure data transmission between your system and external servers. Over time, some ciphers become outdated and vulnerable to attacks.
Starting October 31, 2025, Sage will block outdated encryption ciphers used by Windows and Windows Server when connecting to Sage licensing servers. These ciphers are not part of Sage 100 or Sage 300 themselves but are used by the underlying operating system during communication with Sage servers. By blocking weaker ciphers, Sage aims to:
This proactive measure aligns with best practices recommended by cybersecurity authorities such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which regularly updates guidelines on acceptable encryption standards.
The security update primarily affects Sage customers using older versions of Windows or Windows Server. Specifically:
These operating systems rely on outdated ciphers that will be blocked by Sage’s licensing servers after the update. However, it’s important to note that cipher prioritization settings in newer versions of Windows or Windows Server could also cause issues if not properly configured.
Older operating systems are more likely to use weaker encryption protocols by default. Microsoft has ended support for Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8, meaning they no longer receive security updates or improvements, including updates to encryption standards (Microsoft Lifecycle Policy). Running business-critical applications on unsupported platforms increases the risk of security breaches and compliance violations.
If your system relies on outdated ciphers and is unable to communicate with Sage’s licensing servers after October 31, 2025, you may encounter the following issues:
These restrictions can severely impact business operations, including access to financial data, reporting, and day-to-day management tasks.
To avoid disruption and maintain compliance with Sage’s security standards, customers should take the following steps:
1. Identify Your System Version
2. Upgrade Your Operating System
Upgrading your operating system not only resolves the cipher issue but also ensures you receive critical security updates from Microsoft.
3. Upgrade Your Sage Software
4. Monitor for Warning Messages
5. Review Cipher Settings on Newer Systems
Sage is proactively reaching out to customers identified as affected through their channel partners. If you have not been contacted but are running Windows Server 2012 or an older operating system, you should still take action to upgrade. Sage support and your channel partner can assist with:
Data breaches and ransomware attacks continue to rise, with outdated software and weak encryption among the leading causes (Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, 2023). By enforcing stronger encryption standards, Sage is helping customers protect sensitive financial and operational data.
Additionally, many industries are subject to regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS, which require robust data protection measures. Running unsupported software can result in compliance violations and significant financial penalties.
The upcoming security update for Sage 100 and Sage 300 is a necessary step to safeguard customer data and ensure compliance with modern security standards. While the change may require upgrades to your operating system and Sage software, the benefits far outweigh the risks of remaining on outdated platforms.
Review your systems, consult your IT team and Sage partner, and plan your upgrades well before the October 31, 2025, deadline. By staying proactive, you’ll ensure uninterrupted access to your Sage solutions and maintain the highest level of data security for your business.
If you have questions or need assistance, reach out to your RKL eSolutions or Sage support for expert guidance.