Is your business still running on old Microsoft software?

If so, you may have a problem, as several of the company’s best-known applications are being phased out in 2020.

It is estimated that one in three companies globally need to make changes because commonly used software is nearing the end of life. It is an issue that is causing concern across the IT industry and the best advice is to act now to ensure your business is protected.

Millions of computers all over the world run on Windows 7. It is being phased out along with several software programmes including Office 2010, Exchange 2010, Small Business Server 2011 and Windows Server 2008.

Problems will arise because the software won’t be supported any more by Microsoft. As it becomes obsolete it becomes ever more vulnerable to hackers who will exploit weaknesses to get access to your IT system.

This also creates problems for GDPR compliance.  It is a requirement under GDPR that you take action to ensure data is safeguarded and support via the right software is a major factor in this compliance.

Use of old, non-compliant software could leave you vulnerable to attack and a potential fine should you suffer a data breach.

Mark Swann, of UK Business IT, said: “Recent statistics show that 35% of Microsoft computers were still running Windows 7 in 2018 and that it is easily the second most popular Microsoft system after Windows 10.

“That is a lot of people who could be vulnerable to hacks if they do nothing and it mirrors the problem when Microsoft XP use was a factor in the spread of the infamous WannaCry ransomware in 2017. It encrypted computer files across  at least 150 countries and it is believed that the economic losses ran into billions of dollars.

“Our advice at UK Business IT is to act now to update your computers. Microsoft is set to make Windows 7 obsolete on 14 January, 2020 and you need to be ready.”

For further information contact UK Business IT by email via support@ukbusiness.it or telephone o1782 264455.