Microsoft Announces Windows 7 End of Support on 14 January 2020.
What It Means and What You Should Do About It
Hundreds of millions of devices across the world rely on Windows 7 operating systems. In Ireland, we’re probably talking many hundreds of thousands at the very least. Often, these machines reside at the very heart of organisational workloads and critical functions. Accounting, communications, word processing, ERP, finance, EPoS, payroll, management information, Internet support – and all accompanying data – are managed and accessed by Windows 7.
But here’s the rub:
End of Support for Windows 7
Microsoft has announced Windows 7 End of Support for January 14, 2020. What does that mean exactly? It means Microsoft will no longer deliver critical security patches or updates.
Which is important. Because:
Windows 7 will be targeted by ever-increasing security threats: Malware, Ransomware, Trojans, DDoS attacks, Phishing…. Any of these threats could expose your business to critical risk: shutting down your I.T. systems, destroying applications, data and essential files; jeopardising customer relationships and critical operating workflows.
And to make it worse: the criminals behind such threats are not stupid. They are opportunists. In all likelihood, they are already developing dark threats which will attack unprotected IT systems on 15 January, 2020 – the day after MS Windows 7 support has been withdrawn.
What to Do About It
If your business hasn’t already done so, draw up a plan and action it immediately:
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Identify all infrastructure using MS Windows 7 as its OS
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Plan the transition, and future proof your infrastructure by upgrading to Microsoft Windows 10 or another OS with ongoing support
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Continually patch existing MS Windows 7 OS machines until Jan 14 2020, as patches become available
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If particular machines using Windows 7 cannot be replaced with new OS systems, isolate them from the rest of your Infrastructure to contain likely attacks
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Develop comprehensive infrastructure security strategies including ongoing data backup, replication, and Disaster Recovery planning
When to Do It
NOW
Need Help?
IT Support Services from DB Computer Solutions can help you plan ahead, transition and manage change, and protect your business against critical threats.
Contact us for more information:
Email: info@dbcomp.ie Tel: 061 480980