Microsoft helps Windows XP One last Time

Microsoft made the decision to patch Windows XP one last time.  A serious Internet Explorer flaw has caught the attention of Microsoft as they worked on security issues for XP.

Industry observers were shocked when Microsoft issued the Internet Explorer zero-day browser vulnerability patch.

Microsoft made an exception last week after support for Windows XP ended on April 8, 2014.

Fighting a Good Fight

Even though Microsoft issued the patch after the end of their support, Microsoft seriously urges Windows XP users to upgrade to a newer operating system such as Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.

“Just because this update is out now doesn’t mean you should stop thinking about getting off Windows XP and moving to a newer version of Windows and the latest version of Internet Explorer,” Adrienne Hall wrote, the General Manager of Trustworthy Computing.

The latest version of Internet Explorer, “has increased support for modern web standards, better performance, and expanded the ability to deliver an immersive experience from within the web browser.  In other words, cool stuff that you need even if you didn’t know you need it, ” Hall proclaimed.





Windows XP is a widely used OS that has proven to be resilient, possibly the reason why people are sticking by XP even after the discontinued support.

Windows 7 had nearly 50% of the desktop operating system market in April.  Windows XP had more than 26% of users, that is more than all the players put together.

Senior security researcher for Malwarebytes, Jerome Segura told TechNewsWorld, “It somehow shoots itself in the foot by encouraging users to stick with [that OS] for at least a little longer.”

What’s the Risk

“The financial services and healthcare industries may have the most to lose if XP remains unsupported,” Darren Hayes, a professor at Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, told TechNewsWorld.

Utility companies, ATM’s, and many medical devices are still running on Windows XP.

The move toward cloud computing will make things worse, warned Eric Chiu, president and co-founder of HyTrust.

With the cloud, virtualization will just about let the OS live forever.  The technology runs on 70% of the data center by removing the hardware dependence of the operating system.  The older operating systems like XP can run on the cloud easily for 20 years.

 Possible Outcome

Malwarebytes and many antivirus vendors, that include Kaspersky, Avira, Symantec and Trend Micro, are the companies that will continue to support XP.

The antivirus software will not resolve the underlying vulnerabilities cyber-criminals are likely to discover.
If you have questions about your OS, we can help!  Call Hyphenet @ 619-325-0990 today!

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References:

Microsoft Gives XP One last Hug – TechNewsWorld
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/Microsoft-Gives-XP-One-last-Hug-80390.html
Published: May 3, 2014

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/