Is Windows 7 End of Life Still Relevant?

As we approach the middle of the year, it may come as a surprise to see someone talking about a piece of software dating to the first decade of the century, but why is this relevant?

As a Managed Service Provider, we still see a good number of companies out there using Windows 7. Clients give a number of reasons: cost, time, compatibility with legacy systems.

In this article, we will explore some things you must know and what alternatives are out there to keep your organization going without the risks involved in having an obsolete Operating System running in your environment.

What Does Windows 7 “End of Life” Mean?

“End of Life” in the technology industry is the date after which an application is no longer supported by the company that makes it. After Windows 7 EOL (End of Life), you can continue to use the OS, but at your own risk.

It goes without saying that new computer viruses and other malware are developed all the time and, without the security updates to fight them off, your data and your system are vulnerable.

Instead of using an old and unsupported operating system we, as your MSP, are helping users upgrade to Microsoft’s most recent OS. Windows 10 is faster than Windows 7 and provides a number of other useful benefits, the most important of which are the continued Security Updates. There are differences between the two interfaces but, Windows 10 will be intuitive for any Windows user.

Windows 10 can be supported by Microsoft and Sequentur. There is little to no option for continued support for Windows 7 after the EOL date, as stated by Microsoft here.

What Windows 7 EOL Means for Users

Users should plan on upgrading their devices as soon as possible to Windows 10. Key benefits include updates and security patches for devices to keep you protected from the bad guys, and new features and applications to keep you productive throughout the day.

The #1 reason to migrate from Windows 7 to Windows 10? Security.

If a new virus or vulnerability is found for Windows 7 after its EOL, Microsoft will not come out with a fix, and you could be at risk of losing data on your PC or allowing a virus onto your network. Your data may be at risk and these bad actors could use your device to gather information stored on your PC (and network) such as credit card numbers or other personal information that could lead to identity theft.

For businesses, consider using an IT professional like a Managed Service Provider to safely migrate your technology and information. We have the experience, knowledge, processes and tools to transition your technology to the new one.

Stop using Windows 7 ASAP

As of January 14, 2020, you are effectively using a dead operating system. While your PC will continue to work, you will be stuck with an operating system that no longer gets patched and this means a high risk to your network and company data.

Windows 7 users may not be able to utilize various software due to incompatibility with upgraded security protocols. Again, if there are bugs and security vulnerabilities in Windows 7 versions of the programs and applications you use, these will never get fixed.

Even ignoring the fact that Windows 7 is now in its End-of-Life phase, you should stop using such an old operating system, anyway. While Windows 10 isn’t perfect, it introduces features and tools that you’re missing out on by using outdated software.

FBI Warning

Just as a final note, here is a warning directly from the FBI on this specific.

The FBI has observed cyber criminals targeting computer network infrastructure after an operating system achieves end-of-life status.

Continuing to use Windows 7 within an enterprise may provide cybercriminals access into computer systems. As time passes, Windows 7 becomes more vulnerable to exploitation due to a lack of security updates and new vulnerabilities discovered.

With fewer customers able to maintain a patched Windows 7 system after its end of life, bad actors will continue to view Windows 7 as a soft target.

What can be done to prevent exploits?

What is not a surprise is how Sequentur can help you. We have the latest technology, tools, and a professional team of experts in cloud services and cyber security. We are full service Managed IT Service Provider.

We provide reliable, robust, and secure Managed IT Services from our main offices in Tampa FL and Washington DC to the entire country.

With our top-notch, on-premise and remote support, you will save time and money while having a team of highly trained professionals be your virtual IT team or even become an extension of your current one.

Reach out to us today. We stand ready to help.

Tampa Bay Office: (813) 489-4122 | Washington D.C. Office: (703) 260-1119