Your MySQL database has been running smoothly for years. Your team knows it inside and out. Everything just… works. Why rock the boat with an upgrade?
Here’s why: MySQL 8.0 reaches its end-of-life date in April 2026. After this date, there’s no safety net; staying on end-of-life software means you’re taking on all the responsibility for keeping things secure and running smoothly, without any backup from the original developers.
Maybe you’re hoping to squeeze a little more life out of your current setup, or your team hasn’t had time to plan an upgrade yet. Perhaps you have legacy software that only works with your current database version. Whatever the reason, it’s easy to put off updates and keep running what you already know. We get it. Database upgrades feel risky when everything is working fine. But here’s what’s actually risky: every day after April 2026, you’ll be running software that is a magnet for cyberattacks, compliance headaches, and unexpected downtime.
And not to be too alarmist about it, but there really are some severe security risks of running MySQL 8.0 after its EOL…
1. No more security patches means you’re on your own
Once MySQL 8.0 reaches end of life, those regular security updates and patches stop for good. That means every new vulnerability discovered after that date stays open forever. Hackers track end-of-life dates religiously. They know exactly when popular software loses support, and they have exploit databases ready to go. Without patches, you’re essentially handing them a map to your data.
2. Hackers are watching for easy targets
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) regularly warns about this exact scenario. Cybercriminals actively scan for organizations running end-of-life database systems because they know these targets can’t defend themselves properly.
Your security team might be excellent, but they can’t patch vulnerabilities that will never be fixed. This puts you at a fundamental disadvantage that gets worse every day.
3. Data breaches can get expensive fast
When attackers find their way into unpatched databases, the damage spreads quickly. They can steal customer information, encrypt your data for ransom, or simply destroy what they can’t monetize.
The financial impact extends far beyond the immediate incident. You’ll face lost revenue during downtime, customer compensation, legal fees, regulatory fines, and years of reputation repair. Cleaning up after a breach takes time, money, and a lot of energy, sometimes for years after the incident.
4. Out-of-support means out of compliance
Regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS explicitly require using supported, secure software for handling sensitive data. If you stick with MySQL 8.0 past its end-of-life date, it puts you in direct violation of these requirements.
Compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines (fair warning, though: those can be substantial). Regulators can force you to undergo expensive audits, implement costly remediation measures, or even suspend your operations until you address the violations.
5. Old software slows everyone down
Unsupported software creates a cascade of problems. New applications won’t integrate properly, existing tools will start breaking, and your team will spend increasing amounts of time on workarounds.
Every month you delay makes the eventual migration more complex and expensive. Features you depend on might be deprecated, data formats could become incompatible, and the gap between your current setup and up-to-date alternatives will keep growing.
| Feature | Secure system | EOL system |
|---|---|---|
| Software updates | Receives routine security updates and patches | No new updates or patches |
| Cyberattack exposure | Limited exposure; stronger defenses slow attackers | High exposure; outdated systems are easy to find and target |
| Compliance and regulations | Aligned with standards like PCI DSS, HIPAA, and NIST | Can lead to compliance gaps and fines |
| Operational stability | Plays well with modern tools and reduces downtime | More crashes and compatibility problems |
| Financial impact | Lower lifetime costs through planned upgrades | Higher costs from breaches, penalties, and emergency fixes |
| Data protection | Strong encryption and access controls safeguard data | Greater chance of breaches and leaks |
There are real-world consequences of running EOL software
These risks aren’t theoretical. Here’s an example that shows exactly what happens when organizations try to extend the life of unsupported systems:
Interserve
In 2022, UK construction company Interserve suffered a devastating data breach because it kept running its database environment long after support ended. Hackers compromised 283 systems, encrypted employee data, and exposed sensitive customer information.
The UK Information Commissioner’s Office fined them £4.4 million (about $6 million today) for failing to secure their systems. When incident response costs, legal fees, and business disruption are added, their total losses exceeded £11 million.
So, what can you do about MySQL 8.0 reaching end of life?
The good news is you don’t have to panic or make hasty decisions. You have two solid paths forward, and both keep you secure and in control.
If upgrading to MySQL 8.4 is on your radar:
Moving up to Percona Server for MySQL 8.4 gives you better performance, enhanced security features, and full compatibility with your existing applications. Our team handles the technical complexities of migration, tests your applications thoroughly, and minimizes downtime during the transition. We’ll review your current setup, identify any compatibility issues, and create a migration plan tailored to your specific environment. After the upgrade, you get ongoing support, monitoring, and performance optimization to keep everything running smoothly.
If you need to keep running MySQL 8.0:
Sometimes, immediate upgrades aren’t feasible. Your applications might depend on features that have not yet been updated, or you need more time to plan a larger migration. We understand these constraints.
With Percona, you can get extended support for MySQL 8.0 for up to three years after the official end of life. This support includes security fixes, continuous monitoring, and fast help from experienced engineers who know MySQL inside and out. You can keep your systems protected and stable while you plan your next step.
Support that fits your timeline and goals
Whether you’re ready to upgrade now or need extended support while you plan your transition, Percona can help you avoid the serious security risks of running MySQL 8.0 past EOL. Don’t wait until April 2026 to start planning. The organizations that fare best are the ones that begin preparing early, test thoroughly, and have expert support throughout the process.
Ready to explore your options?
Upgrade to 8.4 or Get Post-EOL Support
