06/01/20

Deadline looming for Windows 7 ‘end of life’

We are now just days away from Windows 7 reaching its ‘end of life’ – but are you ready for it? It’s still not too late to act if you are still using Windows 7 but time is now extremely short if you want to continue operating safely after the January 14 deadline.

Over the last 12 months we have been bringing you a countdown to D-Day, regularly urging businesses to upgrade computer systems so as not to be caught out with vulnerable, out-of-date IT equipment which will be at greater risk of attack after January 14.

What does ‘end of life’ mean?

Quite simply, Microsoft will no longer be offering Extended Support for Windows 7, Exchange Server or Windows Server 2008/R2 after the deadline. This means security patches and regular updates to these systems will be withdrawn meaning increased threats of cyber attacks and data breaches.

The loss of this layer of security has the potential of causing mayhem to anyone who fails to act to ensure they remain safe. Just consider how this could affect a business. Failing to protect systems and data can result in any number of things happening – none of them good!

What can you do?

If you still have servers, laptops and workstations operating Windows 7, it may be possible to upgrade the newer computers to Windows 10. This is streets ahead of Windows 7, is fully supported by Microsoft and comes with the reassurance of continuous updates into the future.

Automatic upgrades will mean businesses won’t face the same sort of situation we are in now with Windows 7 because there will be no future ‘end of life’ issues to deal with. Windows 10 is and will continue to be of its time without the need to upgrade or replace obsolete systems.

What happens if you don’t upgrade?

These systems will still operate after the deadline but WILL NOT be safe! The cost of upgrading or replacing may be off-putting but it simply has to be done. You need a system which is efficient, safe and secure.

Staying with Windows 7 may also mean you are breaching GDPR laws.

Just to be clear:

• Check your systems.
• Are you still operating on Windows 7, Windows Server 2008/R2 or Exchange Server?
• If so, can you upgrade or do you need to replace?
• To be sure of what action you need to take, contact your IT expert but don’t leave it too long.

Remember, Microsoft support ends on January 14, 2020.

The prospects of being hacked and losing data are just too serious to risk and must be given due consideration so, in your best interests, it’s important that you ACT NOW!

For advice on whether you need to upgrade or replace your system, telephone us on 01743 290588 or 01952 684030 or email katy@pcnetsolutions.co.uk