Windows XP End-of-Support: What Does It Mean to Your Business?
Is your company computer still using Windows XP? Please tell your boss that Microsoft will end the support for the 11-year old operating system on 8 April 2014. It means you will no longer receive security updates, fixes or technical support for computer that still running Windows XP.
“While XP was one of the most popular operating systems in Microsoft’s history, it was not designed to handle the challenges of today, such as the increased exposure to cyber-attacks and demands for more data privacy, unlike our newer operating systems such as Windows 7 and 8.”, said Danny Ong, Chief Marketing and Operations Officer of Microsoft Malaysia.
According to StatCounter (March 2013), Windows XP still makes up 20.39% of PCs in Malaysia, which equates to over 3.6 million PCs. The data also shows that 60% PCs in Malaysia are running Windows 7, which was launched in October 2009.
Check out the infographic below (click to enlarge):
According to Microsoft’s Security Intelligence Report, Volume 13, released in June 2012, Windows XP with SP3 is 3 times more vulnerable than Windows 7 SP1. Also, there are increasing security threats such as Malware, hacktivism, fake virus alerts in the last decade. Plus, the risk of system failure and software/hardware issues also increase because compatibility issue with Windows XP.
Dr. Amirudin Abdul Wahad, CEO of Cybersecurity Malaysia, commented, “Whether you’re an SMB or consumer in Malaysia, the dangers of continued use of XP are real and the risks should not be under-estimated. Windows XP is three generations behind Microsoft’s most modern operating system so continuing to use PCs with XP is similar to driving a car without a seat belt or a motorbike without a helmet. The risks are real and the only way to protect yourself and the organization is to upgrade.”
Windows Upgrade Offer
Microsoft launched the Windows Upgrade Centre website to help SMBs understand the risks, get migration helps, as well as special offers for Windows 8.
