Say Goodbye to Windows 7 and Server 2008 (and Say Hello to Hackers)

URGENT:

• Effective today, security patch releases for Windows Server 2008, Small Business Server (SBS) 2011 and Windows 7 are over. Microsoft will no longer address new vulnerabilities.
• Keeping these unsupported operating systems in place will leave your company with a large security flaw.
• Hackers are salivating at the numerous, upcoming opportunities to slip past your company’s defenses and get their hands on your data.
• Unsupported operating systems will mean non-compliance with data security and privacy regulations.

So what are your immediate next steps?  

1. Do your computers or servers – physical or virtual - still run Windows Server 2008 and Windows 7?
2. If so, determine the criticality of each system
   1. Prioritize replacing the systems (quickly, though carefully) that have the most important roles
   2. Develop a plan with your IT department for retiring or upgrading remaining unsupported systems
3. Remain vigilant with antivirus and other security tools in order to detect any anomalous behavior

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Kevin Ricci at kricci@citrincooperman.com or the Technology and Risk Advisory Consulting group at TRAC@citrincooperman.com.