As of January 14, 2020, an essential part of desktop computers and Windows servers worldwide will no longer be protected by Microsoft. The next time an attacker finds a vulnerability that affects these machines, no patch will be provided, and the business systems will be unprotected. This information affects both Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008, and Windows 7.
The potential impact is difficult to estimate, but it could be of enormous scope. Some estimates suggest that Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 still account for almost a third of all server machines running worldwide. And despite having more than a decade, these operating systems are still used extensively, as evidenced by a recent survey among Guardicore customers, a leader in security inside data centers and the cloud
Microsoft offers organizations several options to manage the end of the life of these operating systems. The first and best option is to upgrade to Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016, both with many years of support ahead. Alternatively, organizations can contract with Microsoft some customized security solutions, an offer that is probably expensive. Depending on the business relationship with Microsoft and the specific operating system, the cost can reach € 200 per machine per year. And although Microsoft will offer this extended support for free for companies that migrate to Azure, that migration itself carries additional implications.
However, the fact is that many organizations cannot immediately upgrade their unsupported systems for a variety of reasons. From regulatory issues and certification requirements to lack of budget or the existence of legacy software. Also, this process is usually long, which leaves the network exposed to dangers. Therefore, solutions are needed that can protect the systems during this transition period, which can last for years.
Organizations that are in this situation should not be victims of panic because they can still limit the risks, even if they do not update or migrate the systems immediately. Thanks for taking some additional precautions, organizations can always effectively protect their networks, limiting exposure, as they continue to evaluate the best long-term course of action they can take.
From Guardicore, we recommend taking these 5 measures:
While the use of unsupported systems is never a recommended practice, with careful planning and a combination of tools, you can significantly reduce the risk of using these obsolete systems while planning an update.
A combination of Microsoft and Guardicore tools can help the company be prepared and protected from the end of the life of Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008, and Windows 7.
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