RIP Windows 7 – Hello Windows 10

Have you planned to replace or upgrade your business hardware before Windows 7 exposes your data to security vulnerabilities?

Microsoft is bringing to a close support of it’s Windows 7 trusted desktop operating system. PC users have had a stable and reliable platform for applications for the last ten years. The first release, the new graphical interface change away from XP was not to everyone’s taste but quickly became a business and home computer essential.

Mainstream support ended in 2015 leaving extended support. Keeping the product up to date and secure until January 2020. It sounds a long way in the future but with the months ticking past. What will happen after the extended support ends? The biggest consideration for PC users is that no further security patches will be released. Putting that in perspective In February 2019 ‘Patch Tuesday’ included more than 70 common vulnerabilities. Also showing exposures (CVE), several were specifically relevant to Microsoft Office.

What does that really mean for computer users?

Hackers finds a vulnerability in the Operating System. Designing malware or a virus to attack that weakness; Microsoft will no longer bring security patches to the system to correct that flaw. Once a vulnerability is available it will be exploited relentlessly, ultimately reaching unprotected operating systems.

What are we doing for our clients?

We have been reviewing all our clients’ hardware and assisting with planning to replace or upgrade the oldest hardware. Doing this in a rolling or scheduled manner for the last few months. Ensuring that businesses are protected when January 2020 rolls round on the calendar.

What about upgrading to Windows 10?

Newer, correctly licenced computers are able to upgrade to the latest Operating system version. Upgrading sometimes comes with a fee making the expense on an older machine impractical. Additionally performance can be poor on an older computer. We should be taking advantage of Windows 10 hardware capabilities Microsoft recommend moving to a newer PC.

Reduce the impact

Considerations range from cash flow to business disruption, coupled with education around usability and new features. Many managers have been reluctant to take extensive changes in 2018. With 2020 now only a few months away, the time to act and strategically plan to keep data secure is essential. Rolling replacements spread cash flow impact, allow priority users to become familiar with their new machines in good time.

The Data Protection Act 2018 incorporating the GDPR; despite being a dry topic, with much scaremongering in the marketplace. Should remain a large motivation for business to keep their data safe and free from Data Breach penalties.

Jacqui Offen is Director of Kent based IT systems support specialists J&J Systems Limited.