data security – Logic 1st

XP support has ended!

3rd February 20171st May 2014

What is Windows XP end of support?

Despite the frequent introduction by Microsoft of newer versions of its Windows operating system over the years, many business and home PC users are still using Windows XP, which was replaced back in 2007.

However, Microsoft finally ceased support for XP on April 8th 2014 and will therefore no longer be issuing updates, security patches, bug fixes and Microsoft Security Essentials for the operating system.

Your machine is vulnerable

As no security updates will be issued, your PC running Windows XP will be highly vulnerable to infection by malware, with criminals being well aware of the vulnerability.

Such malware could be used by criminals for a number of purposes, including:

Stealing your personal and financial details in order to commit fraud.
Committing identity theft by applying for bank accounts, passports and other facilities in your name.
Monitoring your email and other communications.
Recruiting your PC to be part of a botnet, commonly used to attack corporate or government websites.

Additional risks for businesses

In addition to the above, it will become more difficult to get your XP PC serviced or repaired, an increasing number of devices and software programs will no longer work with Windows XP, and a decreasing number of independent hardware and software support vendors will be able to provide services for Windows XP systems.

You also risk unauthorised entry into your information systems which could lead to your data being accessed or stolen, non-compliance with insurers’ and/or customers’ standards and a breach of the Data Protection Act.

Please note that Microsoft will continue to provide virus warnings for Windows XP until July 14th 2015. Many anti-virus software companies will also continue to update their products to spot malware targeted at the operating system. This does NOT mean, however, that patches and fixes will be available, and users still need to find a solution.

Before you do anything, it is very important that you back up the data on your PC and ensure that it can be accessed and recovered on another machine.

If you require help in upgrading your current PC, call Logic for a quote.

What is a good password?

3rd February 20171st February 2014

One of the most frequent questions our team hear is “What’s a good password?”

A good, or strong password is one that is formed of letters, numbers and special characters. It should never be based on a dictionary word.

If you want to see how your password holds up, use the Kaspersky password checker. You might be surprised!

Don’t forget to change your password regularly.

What is Windows XP end of support?

3rd February 20171st February 2014

Microsoft has provided support for Windows XP for the past 12 years. But now the time has come for us, along with our hardware and software partners, to invest our resources toward supporting more recent technologies so that we can continue to deliver great new experiences.

As a result, after April 8, 2014, technical assistance for Windows XP will no longer be available, including automatic updates that help protect your PC. Microsoft will also stop providing Microsoft Security Essentials for download on Windows XP on this date. (If you already have Microsoft Security Essentials installed, you will continue to receive anti-malware signature updates for a limited time, but this does not mean that your PC will be secure because Microsoft will no longer be providing security updates to protect your PC.)

If you continue to use Windows XP after support ends, your computer will still work but it might become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. Also, as more software and hardware manufacturers continue to optimize for more recent versions of Windows, you can expect to encounter greater numbers of apps and devices that do not work with Windows XP.

Upgrade your current PC, call logic for a quote.