End-of-life Windows 7; Security Risk for PC users

Recent research by antivirus vendor Kaspersky shows that almost a quarter of PC users globally are still using the end-of-life operating system Windows 7 which creates a security risk and vulnerability to cyberattacks. This operating system stopped receiving mainstream support in January 2020. Once an OS has come to the end of its life-cycle, the vendor will no longer issue any further updates which include critical security fixes.

The principal group manager for Windows Defender Research wrote in a blog post “Attackers are targeting Windows 7,” “Given today’s modern threats, older platforms can be infiltrated more easily because these platforms don’t have the advanced built-in end-to-end defence stack available on Windows 10”.

Some of the security enhancements available in Windows 10 but not in Windows 7 are:

  1. Windows Hello facial recognition for authentication
  2. Two-factor authentication via Microsoft Passport
  3. Windows Defender Credential Guard to ensure that only privileged system software can access credentials.

Updating an OS to the latest is an essential element of security, that should not be overlooked.

Contact our team today to discuss your unique business requirements and security solutions.

 

References :

https://www.crn.com.au/news/windows-7-is-nearing-end-of-life-heres-what-you-need-to-know-520364

https://securitybrief.com.au/story/security-at-risk-as-pc-users-continue-to-use-end-of-life-windows-7