The Forgotten Technology That Still Runs the World (and Why That’s Risky)

Yasmin Monzon
Jun 23
2 min read

Updated: Aug 26

When people think of cutting-edge tech, they imagine AI, cloud computing, or quantum breakthroughs. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: much of the world still runs on old, forgotten technology—and the cracks are starting to show.

The Tech We Don’t Think About

COBOL Code – Written in the 1960s, this programming language still runs banks, airlines, and government systems.
Mainframes – Massive, room-sized computers power millions of daily transactions, from credit card swipes to hospital records.
Outdated Infrastructure Software – Many cities rely on decades-old systems for utilities, traffic lights, and even 911 dispatch.

These tools were never designed to handle today’s volume of data, speed of transactions, or cybersecurity threats.

Why It’s Risky

Few Experts Left – The programmers who built and maintained these systems are retiring, and replacements are scarce.
Security Gaps – Old code wasn’t built for a world of constant cyberattacks.
Fragile Systems – Patching legacy systems is like patching an antique engine—you never know what else might break.
Cost of Failure – When these systems go down, they don’t just glitch; entire economies, cities, and industries grind to a halt.

Real-World Consequences

A bank outage can lock millions of customers out of their accounts.
Airline glitches strand thousands of passengers worldwide.
A government system failure can delay tax refunds, benefits, or even emergency responses.

Why It Still Runs the World

Replacing legacy systems is expensive, risky, and politically unpopular. It’s easier to keep “patching the old” than to risk breaking something that “still works.”

Final Thoughts

The world’s shiny new apps may get the headlines, but the real backbone of modern life is decades old. That’s both a testament to the durability of early technology—and a warning.

Sooner or later, forgotten tech fails. And when it does, the systems we rely on most could be the ones least prepared for the future.