If you, like almost 30% of PC users, are still running Windows 7 – you probably noticed a huge warning pop-up when you booted up your computer on January 15. As seen in the picture above, the warning was a notice from Microsoft that Windows 7 support is officially over. PCs running the operating system will still work like normal but will no longer get any kind of updates in the future.
At first, that might not sound like a huge problem, but the risks are enormous if you continue to use Windows 7. Think of the computer world like a race: Microsoft needs to put out constant updates to stay ahead of hackers, viruses, and all kinds of other malicious attacks that could harm your computer and you or your business as a result.
“One way people get hacked is when bad guys find holes in Windows,” said Tim Bucher, Owner of Buchertech, an IT leader in Northwest Indiana. “Microsoft knows that they’re looking for those gaps in security and are constantly updating to patch those holes in the Windows operating system. Without those updates, Windows 7 is fair game for all those bad guys.”
Antivirus programs, firewalls, and other security measures are helpful, but do not protect from every threat – especially in a decade-old system like Windows 7. Now more than ever, these threats do much more than annoy –they can take over your computer, lock away your information, and ransom or blackmail you into paying to restore your access. This is bad enough for home computers but can be potentially devastating for businesses.
“The classic question from PC users is ‘I didn’t have to worry about this five years ago, why should I start worrying now?’” Bucher said. “The answer is that bad guys continue to adjust and improve their game, so if you are still doing the same thing you were doing five years ago, you are at risk.”
Microsoft and Buchertech both recommend upgrading to Windows 10 as soon as possible. As a newer operating system, Windows 10 is more secure, better performing, and receives regular updates from Microsoft. For most computers made in the last decade, the process for upgrading is simple –just purchase and install a copy of Windows 10, which is easily done alone or with help from professionals like those at Buchertech.
If your business’ computers are much older, it might be time to upgrade to a new system that includes Windows 10. The cost of security is much lower than the risks posed by outdated machines.
“There’s a battle between security and performance,” Bucher said. “When you have more security, it doesn’t make you more productive – it makes you more secure. But if you don’t have security and you get taken advantage of by ransomware, then you’re going to be really unproductive, you’ll lose your data, and you’ll be very sad.” To learn more about Buchertech and how to defend your information security, visit buchertech.com.
