Microsoft drops Windows XP, protect yourself now!

Microsoft has ended support for Windows XP, if you are still running XP on your system, know that you are exposed and outdated.

The 12 year old operating system will no longer provide security updates that patch holes in the software.
Hackers attempt to find the bugs in XP and exploit them freely.

You have been warned!

Running Windows XP isn’t solely dangerous to your own computer but it threatens all devices that still running and attached to it.

It’s estimated that 95% of bank ATM’s run on XP.  GE (GE,Fortune 500) Intelligent Platforms discovered 75% of its utility customers are still using it.

Cybersecurity provider Cylance said one of its major hospital clients run XP and has more than 100,000 devices.  This includes computers that hold patient records.

Upgrade Now

You always want to make sure the software running on your computer has support and is receiving updates.
Running Windows 7 and Windows 8 are six times safer for your computer than Windows XP.



If you have Windows XP installed on your computer, it won’t stop working.  XP will potentially leave the door open to your computer being infected and your personal information stolen, but it will still work.

Don’t be naive and think it won’t happen to you.

If you have an issue with your computer and XP is running on it, best of luck finding someone to help fix your issue.  Companies will not touch your system until your software is upgraded.

By remotely accessing your computer that is running on XP, you are hazardous to anyone or anything that touches it.

The core OS will be vulnerable without Microsoft’s backing, hackers and malware writers are having a field day exploiting your compromised PC.

Look at the video below from C|Net and take action today!  Call us at 619-325-0990 or visit www.hyphenet.com.

Click here to view a video from C|Net about the ending of Windows XP.

Most large and midsized companies throughout the world are aware that Windows XP is ending support but still have not upgraded.

Hyphenet can help you upgrade your software, chances are if you are still running the old software, you may need to upgrade your PC as well.

Newer PC’s already come with Windows 7.  Knock out two birds with one stone and secure your personal accounts now!

Don’t miss out on the latest tech news and computer security alerts! Follow us on Twitter at @hyphenet,  “Like” us on Facebook or add us to your circle on Google+.

References:
Microsoft drops Windows XP support – CNN Money
http://money.cnn.com/2014/04/08/technology/security/windows-xp/
Microsoft to Windows XP users: The jig is up – C|Net
http://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-to-windows-xp-users-the-jig-is-up/

The End of Windows XP is Near!

 

It's time to upgrade your system. Consider purchasing a new workstation today!

Last day for support is April 8, 2014. Windowsxp and Office 2003 support will no longer be available. Start your migration or purchase a new workstation today! It's time to move on from Windows XP. Technology has evolved and computers have changed, your platform is out-of-date. Unsupported and unpatched environments are vulnerable to security risks. Safeguard your system and boost productivity by update your system today.We will be happy to help you through the transformation process. Call 619-325-0990. Windows 7 Security • New Technology • Productivity Is your business PC is still running Windows XP? Contact us today, its not too late to upgrade. SHOP NOW Don’t miss out on the latest tech news and computer security alerts! Follow us on Twitter at @hyphenet, “Like” us on Facebook or add us to your circle on Google+

Microsoft Windows XP Upgrade or Risk Infinite “Zero-Days”

Image Credit: Computer Weekly

For everyone who is using Microsoft Windows XP, you may want to abort the program.  The 12-year-old operating system will no longer have support by next April. You need to upgrade your  Microsoft Windows XP or risk infinite “zero-days”.
Tim Rains, director of Microsoft Trustworthy Computing, posted a blog last week reminding customers of the risk they would be taking if they continued to run Windows XP.  All users are urgently asked to upgrade to Windows 7 or 8.
April 8, 2014, Windows XP will have a Service Pack 3 (SP3) stating that customers will no longer receive secuity news updates.  Also, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options and online technical content updates will no longer be available.
When Microsoft ends support for Windows XP, it will probably be vulnerable to outdated Windows versions.  So attackers and spammers will have free reign on XP endpoints.  With that said, Windows XP will have a ‘zero day‘ susceptibility forever.
With knowledge of zero-day, you will never know if you can trust the computing base system you are on.  Attackers know about this vulnerability and are well aware of the compromised situation.  You must stay ahead of the game, and protect yourself.

Who’s In?

According to a study handled by VMware, 64 percent of enterprise-size companies have not migrated to Microsoft Windows XP.  52 percent of midsize firms and 61 percent of SMBs are also at risk.

“Common challenges such as end-user-downtime, data loss, migration failures and effort to upgrade remote employees can all be avoided if you plan ahead, “wrote Sarah Semple, VMware’s director of product marketing.

Many companies haven’t switched over because of the cost of the implementation.  It is estimated that, based on a 10,000-PC environment, the expense of migration is between $1,205 and $1,999 per machine.  That is a lot of money, but if you look at the risk your company is susceptible of , it is very much worth it.

The Flaws

Microsoft also has 33 other flaws aside from the zero-day vulnerability.  The software giant issued seven bulletins in early July, six of those were rated “critical”.  The flaws urgency to be fixed in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, DirectShow, .NET, and Silverlight are targeted.  Remote attackers will gain access of discerning systems and files.
One of the flaws reported, had Metasploit module created and alows an attacker to elevate system privileges.

A Windows True Type Font parsing vulnerability that appears in three independent bulletins is also concerning, because it is found in an assortment of Microsoft products. – Technical Manager of Security Research and Development Group at Tripwire.
Microsoft revealed a new policy that requires developers to create apps for the Windows Store, Windows Phone Store, Office Store, and Azure Marketplace to fix any security vulnerabilities within a definitive time frame.  This policy demands developers to fix these security issues within six months.  The company declared the right to remove an app from any store that is being targeted or if it exceeds the six month brink.
So tell your friends and co-workers, get rid of Microsoft Windows XP before you put yourself at risk of an unnecessary attack.

References:
Microsoft: Upgrade from Windows XP or risk infinite “zero-days” – SCMagazine
http://www.scmagazine.com/microsoft-upgrade-from-windows-xp-or-risk-infinite-zero-days/article/307937/
August 19, 2013
Microsoft Patches Windows Zero-Day Flaw, Serious TrueType Error – CRN News
http://www.crn.com/news/security/240157990/microsoft-patches-windows-zero-day-flaw-serious-truetype-error.htm

Don’t miss out on the latest tech news and computer security alerts! Follow us on Twitter at @hyphenet,  “Like” us on Facebook or add us to your circle on Google+.