Windows 7 Risks Your Cybersecurity

Not upgrading to Windows 7, puts your entire business at risk of a cyber attack, because Microsoft will no longer be providing updates to the Windows 7 operating system after January 14, 2020, including software and security updates.

But, how does this impact your business?

Without updates, your entire network is at risk of a cyber attack. Like the apps on your phone, your company’s operating system needs updated to run smoother and have top-notch, security features.

With cyber attacks constantly evolving, IT companies, like Microsoft, regularly push out updates. These updates patch holes in your system to make sure no cyber attacker can sneak into your network and steal valuable data.

When you stop receiving or implementing patches, it’s as if you left the door to your home wide open for a thief. There’s nothing to stop them from coming inside, which is why Windows 7’s End of Life is so detrimental. Cyber attackers across the world are counting down the days until Windows 7 End of Life. They are itching to find an open door into your business.

Windows 7 is Costly

Attempting to sustain Windows 7 will cost you time, money and potentially your reputation.

While Microsoft is offering an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 7 users, it is going to cost you. While pricing for the program is usually negotiated between Microsoft and the company, we can look to the end of life for Windows XP for insight.

Five years ago, the UK government paid Microsoft almost 10 million US dollars to extend support for the 800,000 computers that used Windows XP to protect them for 12 months.

The Guardian also notes, this payment was a bargain for the government. “The central deal saved the government more than 20m Great British pounds [or 33.6m US dollars] compared with individual departments arranging their own deals.” Without 800,000 computers, most businesses can’t afford to strike a deal like this with Microsoft.

Think of your business. How many computers or tablets use Windows 7? The bill quickly adds up.

Not only does trying to maintain your Windows 7 operating system costs you financially, falling victim to a cyber attack costs you time, money and your reputation.

While we earlier mentioned how keeping Windows 7 weakens your cybersecurity, we didn’t mention the costs of being a victim of a cyber attack. Most small to medium businesses simply can’t afford to recover from a cyber attack. If your business is not properly protected, cyber attacks can suspend work for days. Can you afford to lose a few days of work?

Besides losing a few days of business, a cyber attack hits your reputation hard. What would your customers think if cyber attackers got a hold of their credit card numbers?

Upgrading to Windows 10 now is an investment that will save your business in the long run.

Upgrade to Better Technology

Devices and software, whether it is servers, laptops or the cell phone in your pocket, all have a lifecycle. Once technology reaches the end of its lifecycle, it becomes slow and won’t function like it used to. Oftentimes the manufacturer updates slow until they stop, like what Microsoft is doing to Windows 7. This is usually a sign it is time to upgrade your technology. New technology brings in many benefits to your IT environment, but also to your employees.

When you upgrade to Windows 10, you’ll experience lots of benefits. First, your employees will be more productive. The operating system will work faster, being able to complete tasks that made Windows 7 devices slow down.

Waiting an extra minute to do a daily task adds up quickly. For example, if your employees are waiting on their computer to process a task for 30 seconds every workday, they are wasting 130 minutes a year. An upgrade can save your business time with faster workstations.

Some of your older devices may not be able to run Windows 10, but don’t worry! Upgrading your devices is an investment that will last your business for the years to come.

See for yourself, if your devices can run Windows 10 smoothly.

Partner with a Managed IT Provider

This transition is daunting. There are lots of moving parts, but the preparation and implementation of Windows 7 doesn’t have to be a heavy weight on your shoulders.

At Access Systems, we will work with you to make the move from Windows 7 to Windows 10 as painless as possible.

After our IT Assessment, we will create a plan to transition your business to Windows 10. Our consultative approach means you will be fully informed every step of the way.

Don’t wait until January 2020! Give us a call (888-464-8770), submit a form, or email us info@accesssysstems.com today!