Unfortunately we have some bad news. Windows 7 is dying. It has that all too familiar terminal illness called End-of-Life. Microsoft has announced that it is pulling the plug January 14, 2020 on the version of Windows that most of us have come to prefer over the alternatives. Microsoft is pretty much forcing users to move on to the self proclaimed latest and greatest Windows 10.
So what does this mean for us? To clarify, Windows 7 will continue to “function” and run your programs as usual but after this specified date, the beloved operating system will receive no further support or update rollouts aimed toward security and stability. This means that a hole or vulnerability discovered by the bad guys can be exploited over and over again without end, whether it be gaining remote access of your computer over the internet or inserting code that steals passwords and personal information. The list goes on.
Though it is still two years off, the cutoff time is fast approaching and will be here before we know it. This means that now is the time to get a game plan in place and ask yourself some important questions such as whether or not you have equipment running Windows 7 and whether it is upgradeable or will it have to be replaced entirely. For those of us required to be HIPAA compliant, this is even more important as an upgrade is mandatory, and opting out could incur heavy fines. When you look at it from this angle, you will be saving countless time and money as well as adding value and stability to your business by being proactive and acting now rather than later.
It’s a constant upgrade game in technology and here at SandStorm IT it’s a full time job and one that we take pride in getting right. If you’re finding yourself in one of those transitional periods, let us know so that we can help make this time as smooth and stress free as possible.
Find more End-Of-Life info here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13853/windows-lifecycle-fact-sheet