Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine MOMENTUM September 2019 | Page 22

TECH RACHELLE GRIFFIN OneSource MSP [email protected] www.onesource.tech Don’t Leave Your Windows Open to Cybercriminals Windows 7 & Server 2008 END OF LIFE O ne of the important aspects of running a business is for the data of that business is safe and secure. If you have not heard, Microsoft has announced this year the end of life for WIN 7 & Server 2008. After January 14, 2020, there will be no further security updates or patches and your systems will be at risk. To prepare for this; the business owner will need to develop a budget & plan to replace or update their computers and servers before 2020. Time is moving fast and we are finding that a lot of businesses are running on older version of software that is not compatible with WIN10 and Server 2012 or 2016. Why is this important for your business? • These unsecured systems can lead to data breaches liability issues and more. • This is a red-carpet invitation to cybercriminals • Cybercriminals find the systems that are no longer supported and explore them. End of support is coming for other products • Office 2010 • Exchange Server 2010 • Sharepoint Server 2010 • SQL Server 2008/R2 • Windows Server 2008/R2 You have Questions, We have Answers • Can I upgrade my existing PC to Windows 10? Yes, you can upgrade compatible Windows 7 PCs based on the requirements with a full license. To take advantage of the latest hardware capabilities, we recommend moving to a new PC with Windows 10. • What happens if I continue to use Windows 7? You can continue using Windows 7, but once support ends, your PC will become more vulnerable to security risks. Windows will operate, but you will stop receiving security and feature updates. • Can Windows7 still be activated after January 14 2020? Windows 7 can still ne installed and activated after support has ended. However, to avoid security risks and viruses, Microsoft recommends that you consider upgrading to Windows10. 20 MOMENTUM • Will Internet Explorer still be supported on Windows 7? Support for Internet Explorer on Windows7 devices will be discontinued on January 14, 2020. As a component of Windows operating system, Internet Explorer follows the same support lifecycle. • Can I get a free upgrade to Windows 10? Microsoft 365 Business comes with a free upgrade for users with Windows 7,8, or 8.1 Pro license on their device. By purchasing Microsoft 365 Business your users can upgrade all their Windows Pro licensed devices at no additional cost. • Does this also apply to Windows Embedded 7? There are several members of the Windows Embedded 7 product family with different support lifecycles. The earliest end of support date is January 14, 2020 and the others follow thereafter. • Are there alternatives that give me extra time to complete my migration while keeping my users safe? For users of Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Enterprise, you can purchase Extended Security Updates through January 2023. All good things must come to an end, even Windows 7. But you can keep the good times rolling by moving to Windows 10. Don’t like change? Scared to learn a new system? No need to worry because the local Microsoft stores offers free classes for the new systems.