Technical Solutions, a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP), is helping small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) secure their organizations from cyber attacks, by addressing the Windows 7 “End of Life” policy that will begin in January of 2020. Microsoft has announced that they will cease supporting the software, providing updates, enhancing security features and the software will essentially become obsolete. SMBs need to be aware of this transition because cybercriminals are constantly inventing new methods and techniques to exploit weak infrastructure. If a business doesn’t adapt and bring in technology that can keep pace with the ever evolving security threats that the modern business faces, they will eventually become a “sitting duck” for cyberattacks.

Many businesses handle problems like this in the same manner that they handle all other problems. Ignore it until they suffer a minor consequence, and after they feel some of the pain, then they react and begin solving the problem. However, this is a very dangerous strategy to utilize given the potential consequences. For example, we can look at the costs that some major players have paid for insecure infrastructure. According to Time Magazine, “The Equifax breach cost the company over $4 billion in total.” While small businesses can’t withstand losses like that, there’s also a stronger push from authorities for tighter cybersecurity measures, bigger fines and harsher penalties for lax policies.

“Business owners need to act, now,” advised Gene Wells, President of Technical Solutions. “Indecision is also decision. The majority of Windows 7 users will migrate to the cloud which coincidentally will provide many increases in security capabilities that could greatly reduce their need for ad-hoc security features, driving total cost down. However, the key to a successful transition is starting early because these things take time. Unfortunately, businesses who decide not to act, may place themselves in even graver danger because they will be extremely susceptible to cyberattacks, precisely because Windows 7 is obsolete technology and it may be too late.”