Microsoft ends free Windows 7 security updates on Tuesday

FILE - In this Jan. 11, 2010 file photo, a display for Microsoft's Windows 7 is shown at the National Retail Federation's convention in New York. Users still running Microsoft's Windows 7, on their computer's might be at risk. Microsoft is no longer providing free security updates for the system as of Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, meaning computers using it will be more vulnerable to viruses and malware. Users who want to protect their data need to upgrade to Windows 10. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)
NEW YORK (AP) — If you’re still using Microsoft’s Windows 7, your computer might soon be at risk.

Microsoft will stop providing free security updates for the system on Tuesday, meaning computers using it will be more vulnerable to malware and hacking.

Users who want to protect their computers need to upgrade to Windows 10. They may also need to buy new computers because older machines might not be compatible with Windows 10.

Tech companies typically phase out older systems after a number of years and focus efforts on updating current versions of software. Windows 7 came out in 2009. Windows 8, which came out in 2012, will have free support end in 2023.

Windows 10 starts at $139 for a basic, “Home” version. Microsoft charges $200 for a “Pro” version meant for businesses and individuals who need its advance features. Windows 10 comes with regular free updates for security and additional features. Although Windows 10 isn’t likely to be phased out anytime soon, older versions will require those updates to keep working.

Microsoft is also ending support Tuesday for Windows Server 2008 or 2008 R2 operating systems.

Those who run Windows 7 Professional or Windows 7 Enterprise can buy extended protection for up to three years. But it might be worthwhile to just to buy new PCs or get Windows 10.

Microsoft will also be ending support on Oct. 13 for Office 2010 a package that includes word processing and spreadsheet software. Owners need to explore newer versions of Office, including a subscription offering called Office 365.

The Telegraph

GCHQ warns not to use Windows 7 computers for banking or email after Tuesday

The Telegraph
Microsoft is stopping support for Windows 7 from Tuesday - Getty Images North America
Microsoft is stopping support for Windows 7 from Tuesday – Getty Images North America

 

GCHQ has warned people not to do internet banking or use emails from computers with Windows 7 from Tuesday, when Microsoft will end support for the software.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the public-facing arm of the cyber spy agency, said that devices still using the operating system after next week will become increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks as the tech giant stops patching weaknesses in its product.

Microsoft announced last year that it would be ceasing technical support for Windows 7 and urged users to upgrade to its Windows 10 system, which costs £120.

It is estimated that there are still more than 440 million people using Windows 7 worldwide, which was first released in 2009.

A spokesperson for the NCSC said: “The NCSC would encourage people to upgrade devices currently running Windows 7, allowing them to continue receiving software updates which help protect their devices.

“We would urge those using the software after the deadline to replace unsupported devices as soon as possible, to move sensitive data to a supported device and not to use them for tasks like accessing bank and other sensitive accounts.

“They should also consider accessing email from a different device.”

The national security agency warned that after Microsoft stopped supporting Windows XP in 2014 that hackers soon started exploiting weaknesses in the system.

Among the risks users run are having their computers infected with malware, which can steal sensitive details such as financial and banking information from their device.

The NCSC spokesman added: “As a result, it’s crucial to move away from them as quickly as possible.”

The Windows 7 operating system has previously been caught up in security lapses. In 2017, most of the NHS computers infected by the WannaCry ransomware attack, which caused almost 19,500 hospital appointments – including cancer referrals – to be cancelled, were found to be using the operating system.

However, report into the hacking, which affected 81 trusts in England and Wales, found that many of the systems had not been updated by NHS groups leaving them more vulnerable to cyber attack.

Microsoft said it will be providing security support for three more years to businesses using Windows 7 and for customers who are willing to pay for an upgraded package of updates.

However, the company itself warned users they would be at greater risk of hacking malware if they continued to use Windows 7 after Tuesday.

A Microsoft spokesman said: If you continue to use an unsupported version of Windows, your PC will still work, but it will become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses.

“Your PC will continue to start and run, but you will no longer receive software updates, including security updates, from Microsoft.”

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