- May 7, 2019
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Matthew F. Fox
- 2 min
If you are still using Windows 7, there’s a good chance that you’ve started to receive prompts about upgrading to Windows 10 lately. Windows 7’s lifecycle is ending and that means security and compatibility concerns are just around the corner for anyone who doesn’t upgrade to Windows 10.
On January 24th, 2020, Windows 7 will officially end its lifecycle and new security updates to the operating system will cease. Mainstream support for Windows 7 ended in 2015, offering only limited support for newer software hardware. Without any support after January 24th, computers still running Windows 7 will be subject to new security issues that will present a risk to business operations, data privacy, and your business’s reputation.
The Risks of Using Windows 7
Windows 7 was a great operating system and offered a better user experience than both its predecessor, Windows Vista, and successor Windows 8. A positive user experience is important as it helps you stay on task performing work rather than solving computer problems, but only when it includes security measures to protect you from existing and new threats.
The latest Service Pack for Windows 7 was released in 2011 and keeping up-to-date includes hundreds of security updates. Anti-malware utilities require API hooks which are unreliable and don’t cover all attack vectors. Most importantly, Windows 7 doesn’t support modern security protocols like TLS 1.3, leaving users to make use of TLS 1.2 which has well-documented vulnerabilities.
The Benefits of Windows 10
Windows 10 includes many improvements over Windows 7 that strengthen both the operating system and 3rd party tools designed to maintain security. Even better, Microsoft’s continual updates and improvements to Windows 10 means less upgrades and more enhancements on a regular basis.
Features including support for both UEFI Secure Boot and Trusted Boot to protect computers from “bootkits” that can run early and avoid detection by anti-malware tools. Advanced anti-malware features make it tougher for malicious code, even running with administrative privileges, to be executed and even enables support, assisting 3rd party tools with the detection and prevention of suspicious activity.
Windows 10 improves network security through the use of the modern TLS protocol, enhancing security and enabling PCI DSS compliance – a must for any business storing proprietary or user information.
In short, Windows 10 makes use of modern approaches to maintain the security of your computers and the productivity of your team, while providing a stable environment ready to tackle the needs of both today and tomorrow.
It’s Time to Upgrade to Windows 10
Is your business still running Windows 7? Are you prepared to upgrade all of your workstations to Microsoft’s latest operating system? If you need help, reach out and Valiant will provide you with an upgrade path to ensure your computers are up to date, secure, and running Windows 10.
