One year ago, on January 14th, 2020, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 7 operating system ( and Windows server 2008, as well as Outlook 2010). Throughout the last year, we have warned our clients and prospects about the severity of this issue and how not upgrading to the supported operating systems could be chaotic at best.
Since no new security patches have been issued since 1/14/20, anyone running a Windows 7 (or any older versions such as XP or Windows Server 2008) at this point is taking a tremendous security risk. This is especially true if these devices are connected to a corporate network or remotely connecting to the corporate network. It would be all too easy for any hacker to take control of those machines through known operating system vulnerabilities and then snooping around a significant portion of the corporate network it is attached to.
The current operating systems such as Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019 are much more stable and have features to fend off most known threats. Although many users know that these new operating systems are safer, they often rebutted with excuses such as “it’s too expensive”, “the current system works just fine”, “We’re running a legacy piece of software that’s not compatible with Windows 10”, and so on.
As reasonable as all of that sounds to the owners, though, the risk becomes too great at some point. The number of PCs still running Windows 7 has been shrinking steadily this year, but it’s clear that the people who are still clinging to the old OS are highly resistant to the notion of migrating away from it. Unfortunately, that stubborn insistence comes at a potentially terrible cost.
If there’s one thing you can count on in terms of where hackers and bots are concerned, it’s that they’ll always attack the weakest link in the chain, and it doesn’t get any easier than breaking into a Windows 7 machine (or older operating systems). Suppose that the device is connected to important servers on your company’s network. In that case, you’re essentially leaving the door unlocked and posting a large neon sign above it inviting the hackers inside. You might get away with that for a while, but sooner or later–and probably sooner–someone’s going to accept your invitation.
Antivirus software is either phasing out or no longer supports Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008. The same is true for other programs such as accounting, banking, etc. As the threats and expenses of running these machines are going higher, it is prudent to upgrade before it is too late. For any question on upgrading your operating system or should you have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at: 818-501-2281 or via email at: info@ceocomputers.com
As an IT company in the business for over 33 years, CEO Computers is a trusted name in the local community and have gained that reputation by providing quality, dependability and a strong IT support system. Give us a call and let us assist you with your IT needs.