How to Prepare for Windows 7 End ...

The end of Windows 7 is quickly approaching. Don’t wait to upgrade to Windows 10 otherwise you may compromise everything that you worked for. 

Circle January 14th, 2020 on your calendars now, because that will officially be the end of Windows 7 as we know it. Now that this operating system is on life support, it’s important for businesses to move on. Fortunately, Microsoft introduced a new solution in 2018 to make this easier for everyone. But while more and more businesses are converting to the Windows 10 model, we’ve broken down everything you need to do in the meantime.

The Ultimate Guide to Windows 7 End of Life

Before Windows 7 officially becomes a past time, there are a few important things that you should know. This is what you need to keep in mind when preparing for Windows 7 end of life:

Vulnerabilities at Risk

When it comes to network security, taking a proactive approach is always your best option. If you choose not to move on from Windows 7, then be prepared to face the consequences. Sure, you could pay extra for extended support, but there’s no escaping the inevitable. The fact is that Windows 7 is guaranteed to become obsolete, so why waste your money to keep this operating system running for a few extra months?  It won’t matter once it reaches end-of-life status anyways. Once the support date passes, the floodgates to your network will be lifted, allowing for a variety of hazards to cripple your most important data. 

These are some of the most alarming issues to be concerned with:

  • Malware Viruses
  • Adware Scams
  • Ransomware Invasions
  • Zero-Day Attacks
  • Crypto-Jacking
  • Computer Worms
  • Trojan Horses
  • Phishing Attacks
  • IoT Attacks
  • Malicious Bots

What You Should Expect 

With extinction in site, Windows 7 systems are only inviting more security hazards. And most of these threats are just getting more malicious as time goes on. Since the threat landscape is expanding, we may start to see more companies fail to meet their business objectives. What’s most concerning is that some of these network hazards are strong enough to put businesses completely out of operation. 

 

To further avoid these issues, we can expect to see more companies adopt Microsoft’s latest OS platform. With a Windows 10 enterprise system, you’ll be able to take advantage of more managed security support. This solution will help save businesses time and money that would be otherwise spent tending to disruptions. By updating your infrastructure with this technology, your business gains an edge, where your staff can perform more efficiently and turn a profit much faster. 

Steps to Prepare

Windows 7 isn’t completely obsolete yet, but you should still have an effective defense strategy to keep your infrastructure ahead of the curve. To do that, you’ll need to follow these six critical steps: 

  • Audit your IT system: Examine your infrastructure and make note of any alarming concerns. Keep a record of any hardware or software that needs to be updated or replaced with something better.
  • Update or extend: If you’re really not ready to let go of your legacy system, then signing up for extended support is always an option. This is a limited solution though, so you may want to commit to the full makeover. With this said, it’s wise to adopt the latest version of Windows 10.
  • Establish a game plan: Once you decide what to do with your IT, you’ll need to prioritize your data. Collaborate with an experienced IT specialist and develop a migration timeline so you get access to your most important documents in the most efficient operating system.
  • Add more security: You can never be too careful when it comes to protecting your data. Allowing for managed security can help prevent disaster from striking your network. Windows 10 is updated with a stronger layer of protection, so it is more immune to cybersecurity issues roaming around the web.
  • Educate the staff: Provide training sessions to show your staff how to properly use your operating system. Make sure that the instructions are clear and filled with best practice advice. 
  • Create a backup strategy: When it comes to IT management, two of the most crucial components are disaster recovery and data backup. Establishing a proactive backup plan gives your network more cushion, as it ensures that you always have a firm grip on your most important information. 

Call CTMS to Update Your Operating System 

Moving from Windows 7 doesn’t have to be difficult. The CTMS team can help make the migration as seamless as possible for your business. And since you have less than a year to make the switch, now is the perfect time to makeover your infrastructure with this fresh and innovative source of technology. Whether you are ready to bring Windows 10 into your home or office, or you just have concerns about Windows 7 end of life, CTMS will help you find peace of mind through it all. Give us a call to schedule a free IT consultation with a Windows 10 pro!

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