Microsoft Issues Double-Whammy
Yesterday, we reported that Microsoft ended anti-malware support for Windows XP users. Well, Microsoft also officially ended support for Windows Server 2003 on the same day. Just like Windows XP users, if you’re still running Windows Server 2003 in your data centers then you are putting your whole network at risk.
Microsoft will no longer be issuing updates for the 12 year old operating system (OS). That means that any security vulnerabilities left in the software as of yesterday WILL NOT be patched, giving cyber-criminals another lucrative playing field to ply their insidious trade. If you’re banking on the fact that yesterday’s date went unnoticed by thieves, you’re sadly mistaken.
According to Computer Weekly, 11,000,000 machines worldwide still use Windows Server 2003. These numbers suggest that the IT departments of many companies are unprepared to migrate from this OS relic any time soon. As with Windows XP, those companies that have not upgraded their server operating systems from Windows Server 2003 will be out of compliance with standards and regulations such as PCI and HIPAA.
And again, as with Windows XP, those companies that failed to upgrade from Windows Server 2003 put not only themselves at risk but also anyone they do business with. Those companies have just made the cyber-security landscape a whole lot riskier.
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