Biggest Risks of Using Windows 7 and Server 2008
With just a little over a week left until January 14, 2020 is here, the time frame to upgrade from Windows 7 and Server 2008 is almost up. Although you can still upgrade after this date, every day that you don’t upgrade puts your systems even more at risk. What are some of the major risks of not upgrading to Windows 10?
- Risk of Vulnerabilities and Cyberattacks
- In 2018, there were 499 Windows desktop vulnerabilities, 169 of them considered critical. That same year, there were 449 Windows server vulnerabilities, 136 of them considered critical.
- There are cybercriminals out there waiting for the “end of life” for Windows 7 and Server 2008, so they can make their move.
- The WannaCry ransomware attack that took place in 2017 and affected over 200,000 computers was the result of an unpatched vulnerability that affected Windows. About 98% of the computers affected were running Windows 7, which at the time, was a supported version of Windows.
- The High Cost of a Data Breach
- Data breaches are very common and about 1 in 3 are due to unpatched vulnerabilities.
- They can be so devastating for small to mid-sized businesses, that it can put the company completely out of business.
- In 2018, the average global data breach cost was $3.86 million.
- Applications Will No Longer Run On Windows 7
- Since Microsoft will not be supporting Office 365 for free on Windows 7 anymore, not upgrading will cost you even more money.
- There are many independent software vendors that won’t support new versions of applications on Windows 7.
Once January 14th comes, Windows 7 will no longer be supported, which means if you are still running this version and there is a ransomware attack, the outcome will not be good. Take the time to take care of your business, call CATS Technology Solutions Group, and get your systems upgraded. The support for Windows 7 and Server 2008 is coming to an end, and it is not worth the multiple RISKS!
