Are you prepared? Microsoft declared Windows 7 end of life in January 2020; we are now extending the notifications so everyone can take action to remain productive and secure before it’s too late.

Starting January 2020, Microsoft will no longer provide updates or support for PCs running on Windows 7. End of support means that your Windows 7 & Office 2010 software will no longer work properly.  We strongly suggest moving to Windows 10 before then to avoid any issues. Support for Internet Explorer on Windows 7 devices will be discontinued as well. When Windows 7 reaches end of support, Microsoft will no longer provide:

• Technical support for any issues
• Software updates
• Security updates or fixes

Going forward, the best way for you to stay secure is on Windows 10; the best way to experience Windows 10, is on a brand new PC. Although it is possible to install Windows 10 on your older device, it is not recommended because the proper functionality will not be there. To help everyone get advanced notice of this change, Microsoft is reaching out with computer notifications. If you’re a Windows 7 customer, you can expect to see a notification appear on your Windows 7 PC notifying you of the upcoming change. When your technology and computer systems are outdated, the chance of experiencing a vast array of cybersecurity breaches dramatically increases tenfold.

• High Risks – Any business can be a target, even a medical office and there are significant risks to your organization’s reputation and finances, not to mention possible federal legislative penalties if confidential data is breached.
• Ransomware – An exploit that is loaded onto a computer or server with the intent of extorting money. The exploits usually attempt to lockout user documents and files, and hackers demand payment to a bitcoin address to unlock the files.
• Data Breach – This is when private ( confidential) information is targeted to be made public or sold. There is a major risk of reputational damage if confidential data is made public or sold on the black market. For medical offices, that is a definite HIPAA violation that can lead to putting you further in debt as a result of the HIPAA compliance fines.

Prevention is Key

 Update Your Systems- To help prevent cyber attacks, your systems should run on a modern, supported operating system. As software becomes out-of-date, it becomes an easy target for hackers wanting to exploit the operating system. Desktop PCs running Windows 7 are now becoming obsolete currently. Server platforms running any operating system prior to Windows Server 2008 R2 are also at their end-of-life.

Operating System                        End of Life Date

Windows XP                               4/8/2014

Windows Vista                             4/11/2017

Windows Server 2008 R2                    1/14/2020

Windows 7                             1/14/2020

• Utilize a Managed Service Provider! – Businesses struggle to keep on top of the demands of keeping an updated IT infrastructure; this is why they are choosing to outsource their IT services to El Paso’s Leading Managed Service Provider (MSP). This is incredibly effective at preventing cybersecurity breaches as the IT systems are managed by experts in securing systems. GCS will patch the operating systems, patch the applications, and more. GCS offers Managed IT Services which incorporates antivirus protection, backups, and data protection. Data can be encrypted and access restricted to authorized personnel only.

• Cyber Security Training- GCS provides full cyber security training so that that you and your employees can recognize a red flag when you see one and know what actions and precautions to take.

• Layers of Protection- With GCS IT, we utilize protection layers which act as a security gateway to your organization. Probes monitor and manage traffic on the network looking for suspicious activity or compromised systems. Any part of the network can be isolated or ‘quarantined’ to stop infection should these fail-safes be breached. Our software has stopped numerous viruses and other forms of malware that tried to sneak itself into the cloud storage but was caught and stopped right in its tracks to be quickly removed!

Moving to Windows 10- Whether you are upgrading an existing device, buying a new one, or just need help deploying or migrating, GCS IT has the help & support you need. We know change can be difficult, that’s why we are here to help you with expert guidance, recommendations, and preparation for what to do next and to answer any questions or concerns about the end of Windows 7 support. Call now to discuss the best options for you and your business!

 

Call GCS!

(915) 229-6082 

We Manage Your Technology, So You Can Manage Your Business!