As you’ve probably already heard, Microsoft will stop protecting Windows 7 and Windows Server 8 from viruses and malware on January 14, 2020. Which means that one in four companies are scheduled to have IT security support withdrawn by Microsoft in the coming months.
Two years ago, the worldwide cyberattack by WannaCry ransomware cryptoworm targeted out-of-date Windows operating systems on PCs. Consequently, in just one day the code was reported to have infected more than 230,000 computers in over 150 countries.
Much of the damage in 2017 could have been mitigated if these systems were properly updated and secured. Microsoft had released patches prior to the exploit, but much of WannaCry’s spread was from organizations that had not applied these, or were using older Windows systems that were past their end-of-life.
In three months time, hundreds of thousands PCs face potentially similar vulnerabilities when their operating systems lose security support.
“Cyber criminals are very much lining up to take advantage of this,” said Conor Flynn, a senior IT security specialist.
“There’s no question that we’ll see an impact from this.”
“It will lead to attacks, whether ransomware or other types of exploits on computers because they will be vulnerable,” said Mr Flynn.
To say the least, this task should be at the top of your list – whether you’re planning on transitioning to Windows 10 or moving on to an alternate operating system. Most businesses completed their planning for migration to Windows 10 long ago and have either completed the project by now or in the final stages of implementation.
Time is very short and there is no time to waste!
Let us know if you are currently using Windows 7 or Windows Server 8 and would like to know more about your options. We’ve developed a unique upgrade strategy for our clients and would be happy to share it with you.
If you are interested in knowing more about it, give us a call at 732.780.8615 or email us at [email protected]