Author: Danielle Johnson

It has been 10 years since Microsoft released its widely popular Windows 7 operating system. Even after Microsoft introduced Windows 8 and then 10, businesses and personal users held fast to 7. By 2012, more than 650 million Windows 7 licenses had been sold worldwide.

But come Jan. 14, 2020, Microsoft will no longer support Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008. These operating systems have reached their end of life," meaning Microsoft will stop issuing updates and security patches.

Not upgrading these operating systems will leave users increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks. The upshot: Insurance agencies need to take precautions to protect their systems and their clients' data by migrating to Windows 10.

Microsoft announced several years ago that it would be retiring Windows 7, yet StatCounter reports that 25% of U.S. Windows users are still on 7. Computer security expert John Longo, president and CEO of OnSite Support Services Corporation, says that's a real problem. The regular updates you typically receive using Windows Update for reliability, stability, bug fixes and, most importantly, critical security patches will no longer be available after Jan. 14," he says. This presents a significant cyber-security risk for anyone still on Windows 7."

Cyber criminals are already working overtime to exploit what will be an unpatched, wide-open operating system, Longo explains. This could expose agencies to serious risks, including remote access/takeover of systems, theft and exposure of data, malware attacks, identity theft, ransomware, financial theft and more," he says.

Anti-malware software installed on your systems won't be able to protect against browsing activities, downloads, email attachments or suspicious behavior, Longo adds. In addition, criminals can easily detect which operating system you are using through cookies and scripting codes.

If you're still using Windows 7, you'll need to either upgrade to Windows 10 (provided your computers meet the system requirements) or purchase new computers with Windows 10 preinstalled. If your PCs are three years old or more, replacing them with new ones may be your best option.

There are two versions of the new operating system, Windows 10 Home ($139) and Windows 10 Pro for business use ($199.99); both can be purchased and downloaded directly from Microsoft. Be wary of online computer vendors that offer Windows 10 at bargain prices. These may be counterfeit, unlicensed products.

What You Should Do Now 

• Give yourself plenty of time to test applications and user experiences when you switch to Windows 10. You may have to update other software, transfer data or reinstall programs
  

• Check hardware compatibilitynot just computers but printers, scanners and other peripherals. Make sure your office equipment is compatible with Windows 10.
  

• Check software/systems compatibility. Take an inventory of all your programs and apps to make sure they are compatible and supported by Windows 10.
  

• Create a security plan to separate critical systems that need to run on Windows 7 devices from the internet.
  

• Provide employee training on Windows 10.
  

• Notify your customers of any changes that may occur in the switch to Windows 10 and remind them that they should be upgrading to Windows 10.
  

For more information, see a Q&A prepared by John Longo.

Danielle Johnson is director of information technology at InsurBanc. InsurBanc, a division of Connecticut Community Bank, N.A., is a community-focused commercial bank specializing in products and services for independent insurance agencies.

Published:  October 31, 2019