Innovative Network Systems, Inc. issues all our clients a significant cybersecurity warning for 2023. As of January 10, 2023, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, non-security updates, free or paid assisted support options, or online technical content for Windows 7 and 8.1.

Microsoft end of life products create an open playground for hackers, and no one is more vulnerable to this than small businesses with limited IT budgets.

Microsoft End of Life Financial Cost

Security threats have been on the rise over the past ten years. Add to that unsupported Microsoft end-of-life products, and you have absolute chaos. Once a hacker finds a vulnerability, they quickly embed themselves in the system. First, they establish a foothold in the system. Second, they analyze the environment. Third, they install malware. Once they download malware on your system, they can easily collect information, intercept traffic, and scan devices.

Most concerning, the average breach goes undetected for 276 days. That is nine months, during which a hacker is peeks around and steals your valuable information without your knowledge. Subsequently, you should ask yourself what type of information on your system they can exploit. Is it intellectual property?  HR information? Banking information? Client information? In the end, all these things have a monetary value.  For instance, they can keep you from accessing your information. Moreover, they can seize your information and sell it. Both can cause a severe financial crisis.

Steps to Protect Yourself

There are many reasons a company will need to update their end-of-life software. However, there is a solution for each one.  First, some hold off due to cost. Second, is the pain associated with change? Third, are there compatibility issues with legacy software?

  • Cost – Cost can be a significant factor in upgrading system software. Today, you have more options than ever before. For example, Office 365 can be billed monthly through a Microsoft MSP. You can also lease the software and labor installation to spread out the cost over several years.
  • Change – Downtime can be a major detriment to operations. A mature IT organization knows how to plan for this. Most updates are performed at night or over the weekend and a quality MSP will have an engineer readily available on the go-live date.
  • Custom Legacy Software Compatibility Issues – Your custom software may not work with new operating systems or office products. However, there are many affordable programs available in the market today. Start looking at your options today.

Upgrading your Microsoft end-of-life software does not have to be hard.  If it is done right, your MSP will know the proper steps to make the transition smooth for both you and your end-users.

In conclusion, if you have Microsoft Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, it’s time to upgrade or risk being the next cybersecurity target.  INSI can help.  We can help you plan so you will never be in this situation again.  Moreover, we will help prepare for the inevitable by planning for warranty expiration and end-of-life software products.  If you want to take control of your technology expenses, call INSI today at 770-387-2424.  A seasoned consultant will help you through the process. Contact INSI:  770-387-2424, option 2.