Contact Us Today!   314.394.3001   |   info@andersontech.com
Anderson Technologies
  • Home
  • Services
    • Overview
    • Managed IT Services
    • Cyber Security
    • System Administration
    • HIPAA Compliance Services
    • Ransomware Protection
    • Hardware & Software Consulting
    • Cloud Computing Services
    • Web Design
    • Anderson Archival
  • Industries
    • IT Support for Accountants
    • IT Support for Dental Offices
    • IT Support for Financial Services
    • IT Support for Architects and Engineers
    • IT Support for Manufacturing
    • IT Support for Nonprofits
  • Learn
    • What Are the Biggest Mobile Security Threats of 2020?
    • What Are Mobile Security Best Practices?
    • Battle of the Brands: Microsoft’s Office 365 vs. Google’s Workspace
    • What Does a Firewall Do for a Network?
    • How to Maintain Security When Employees Work Remotely
    • How to Protect Your Data from Ransomware
    • Comparing Mobile OS
    • What Is Phishing?
    • How to Identify Phishing and BEC Scam Emails
    • What Is MFA And Why Do I Need It?
    • How to Reduce Risk and Secure Your Internet of Things Devices
  • Training
  • Resources
    • Free Ebooks
    • Webinar: Cyber Security at Home: Protecting Your Business & Family
    • Newsletter Sign Up
  • About
    • About Us
    • What Our Clients Have To Say
    • Careers
  • Press
  • Blog
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Free Consultation
    • HIPAA Services Inquiry
  • Help
  • Menu Menu
windows 7 end of life windows 10 upgrade

Countdown to Windows 7 End of Life on January 14, 2020

January 14, 2019/in Data Security, News, Technology Alert /by Marcia Spicer

While the world celebrated the New Year, Microsoft enjoyed their own major milestone as Windows 10 was finally declared more popular than Windows 7.  Previous iterations of the Windows operating system couldn’t sway many Windows 7 corporate holdouts (Windows 8 and Windows Vista, for example), but for several years Windows 10 has demonstrated the stability and performance necessary to support business users.

More than half of enterprise machines run Windows 10 today. However, many others still use Windows 7. Experts consider these active machines a security risk—not to mention their poor performance due to aging hardware. Now Microsoft is forcing everyone’s hand.  Exactly one year from today, Windows 7 joins other aged operating systems in “end of life,” placing any machines still running it on a deadline.

If a single Windows 7 machine is attached to your network after January 14, 2020, it becomes the weakest link and an open door for cyber criminals to compromise the rest of your machines.

What Does This Mean for Your Computer and Your Business?

Windows 7 reaches end of life on January 14, 2020. After this date, Microsoft will no longer develop countermeasures or fixes to address new breaches, exploits, viruses, and attacks, leaving Windows 7 computers vulnerable. Some businesses may require a machine to stay on Windows 7 to run legacy software, but these machines should not be connected to the network as they will be a high-value target, giving hackers easy access to an otherwise secure network.

The compromised security of each machine, your network, and the data it contains is the most powerful reason to upgrade. Criminals become more skilled every day at finding vulnerabilities and ways inside your network, and the value of business-essential or confidential data continues to rise. Your business has probably already encountered some form of cyber security risk – and will again. In fact 61% of small and medium businesses were attacked in 2018.

For businesses that are Covered Entities or Business Associates under HIPAA, this cannot be ignored. Starting January 14, 2020, no Windows 7 computer will be considered HIPAA compliant. The ability to patch known security issues is required by the Security Rule to avoid reasonably anticipated threats to ePHI. Failure to do so could lead to serious liability if a breach occurs.

This deadline is an opportunity. Consider it a countdown to more efficient work spaces, more secure transactions, and features that integrate seamlessly with the Cloud and mobile devices. Speed, usability, and security all see major upgrades in Windows 10—upgrades that can make a huge difference for your business.

Want to begin the process of upgrading to Windows 10? Contact Anderson Technologies at 314.394.3001 to speak to one of our IT experts about the best plan forward.

 

Contact Us

Tags: news, technology watch, windows os
Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail
You might also like
Quotables: Why We Must Leave Windows 7 Behind (VAR Insights)
Office Depot Pays for False Malware Reports
Quotables: Is Your Workforce Suddenly Remote? Here’s What to Know About Cybersecurity (CO by U. S. Chamber of Commerce)
Cyber vulnerabilities Meltdown and Spectre Don’t Have a Meltdown: Shedding Light on the Spectre/Meltdown Vulnerabilities
Infected? A New Phishing Attempt for 2018
Malware keyRaider iPhones Malware Security Alert: KeyRaider Infects Jailbroken iPhones

Newsletter Signup



Recent Posts

  • 5 Tips for Security-Conscious Zooming
  • Byte-Size Tech: Employee Training Can Make Or Break Your Cybersecurity
  • Byte-Size Tech: Managed IT Firm Stopped Ransomware Attack In Progress
  • Learn: Battle of the Brands: Microsoft’s Office 365 vs. Google’s Workspace
  • Opting Out: Keeping Your Personal Data Private

Seeking IT support and managed services?
Get a free consultation today.

Contact Us

  • Home
  • Services
  • Resources
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
ATI Logo
Phone: 314.394.3001
Email: info@andersontech.com

13523 Barrett Parkway Dr
Suite 120
St. Louis, MO 63021



© - Anderson Technologies
  • Home
  • Services
  • Resources
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
Order of Operations: Moving and Upgrading a Network hipaa documentation HIPAA Part 3: Document! Document! Document!
Scroll to top
We use cookies to understand how you use our site. Click Accept to confirm your approval of this, or learn more in our Privacy Policy. Accept Privacy Policy
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

SAVE & ACCEPT