Microsoft has officially stopped supporting Windows 7 and Windows server 2008 (and Windows server 2008 R2) since setting the deadline of 14th January 2020. If your device or business is still using either of these operating systems, then you will no longer receive support for these devices – which means you are at risk to cyber-attacks and will not be GDPR compliant.
What this means
As detailed in our previous article on the Windows 7 and Server 2008 support deadline, Microsoft stated that Windows 7 and Windows server 2008 would go EOL (end of life) on the 14th January. As a result, users and businesses were implored to look at upgrading any devices that had these operating systems installed on - or use it as an opportunity to replace with a new device with latest OS already installed.
If you haven’t already upgraded, and are still using the out of date devices, then you should upgrade immediately. Failure to do so means the system you are using is vulnerable to exploits and bugs. In addition to this, you are violating GDPR regulations and thus not fulfilling the requirements for properly securing your systems.
As Microsoft releases security updates for it's later Operating Systems it will have the unintended effect of potentially exposing flaws in Windows 7 - that it will not release security patches for.
It is also important to audit what users connect to your corporate network using home computers, which may not be updated and still running Windows 7 which will become an increasingly insecure platform, and a source of security issues. User may be connecting to your network via e.g. a corporate VPN when working remotely or from home - these computers need to be blocked from accessing corporate resources until they are brought up to date.
Conclusion
Whilst the deadline has already been reached, it is still not too late to upgrade to Windows 10. You can do so by purchasing online or in store a Windows 10 licence that will cost in the region of £100 (depending on what version you need). If you use Office 365, you can also upgrade your licence to Microsoft 365 Business which includes the ability to upgrade to Windows 10.
If you need any advice or assistance with upgrading to Windows 10, please use our contact form and we will get back to you.