If you haven’t already updated your devices from Windows 7, the FBI is urging you to take action fast! Now more than ever, there is a huge risk of getting hacked if you are still using Windows 7, since it has already reached its EOL (end-of-life) earlier this year.
What Does EOL Mean? End-of-life means this particular Windows operating system is unsupported and is no longer receiving security updates, as well as Microsoft discontinuing free patches for vulnerabilities.
What is at Risk? Any organizations who are still using Windows 7 will face an increased risk of cybercriminals exploiting vulnerabilities to gain network access. The lack of security updates is what makes this a very easy target for hackers. The FBI also found that there is an increase in successful cyberattacks for healthcare organizations that are using systems that have reached end-of-life.
What Should You Do? The short and most simple answer is this; upgrade to Windows 10. The option to extend support for Windows 7 is available, but it will only be extended for 3 years. By the time you go through the trouble of installing the extension, you might as well upgrade fully to Windows 10 so your systems are completely secure and safe from any vulnerabilities.
It’s crucial to know the importance of upgrading from an operating system that is no longer supported, as well as the risks that come with it if you don’t. With this new warning from the FBI, hopefully users and organizations will take this advice seriously and upgrade their workstations to newer versions as soon as possible. If you have any questions or need to upgrade, get in touch with a CATS Technology Solutions Group technician. They’ll know what to do!
