'In denial' XP users left vulnerable as Microsoft logs off
The company says 10 per cent of all PCs in Australia, about 2.5 million, are still running XP. Globally the figure is much higher. StatCounter puts it at 21 per cent, Netmarketshare.com says XP is installed on 31.4 per cent of PCs globally. And the popular software's share is not declining at the rate that might be expected: it has dropped only eight percentage points in the past 12 months, according to Netmarketshare.
Tim Rains, director of product management in Microsoft's Trustworthy Computing group, said any new vulnerabilities discovered in Windows XP after its "end of life" would not be addressed by new security updates from Microsoft.
"After April 8, Windows XP ... customers will no longer receive new security updates, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options or online technical content updates," Rains wrote in a blog post.
Joseph Sweeney, analyst with research firm IBRS, said cyber criminals might be "stockpiling" XP attacks and waiting for Microsoft to end support.
"There are indications that there has been a slowdown in the number of new attacks and malware for XP," Sweeney said.
"I would find it unlikely there would be some grand global conspiracy to hold anything back, but there are a lot of crime syndicates involved in malware today."
Brian Walshe, general manger of Microsoft integration at Dimension Data, suggested many people still running XP were in denial about its imminent demise or had put the transition into the too-hard basket and were suffering from "planning paralysis".
Full story: theage.com.au/it-pro
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
Microsoft is ending support for Windows XP to focus on newer technologies and operating systems. This decision allows them to allocate resources to more current and secure platforms, ensuring better protection and features for users.
The end of support for Windows XP means that users will no longer receive security updates, non-security hotfixes, or technical support from Microsoft. This leaves systems vulnerable to new security threats and malware.
Globally, a significant number of PCs are still running Windows XP. According to StatCounter, 21% of PCs worldwide use XP, while Netmarketshare.com reports that 31.4% of PCs globally are still on this operating system.
After support ends, Windows XP users face increased risks from cybercriminals who may exploit new vulnerabilities. Without security updates, these systems are more susceptible to attacks and malware.
Some users are hesitant to upgrade from Windows XP due to 'planning paralysis' or denial about the system's end of life. Transitioning to a new operating system can seem daunting, leading some to delay the process.
Yes, there are concerns that cybercriminals might be 'stockpiling' attacks for Windows XP users, waiting for Microsoft to end support. This makes it crucial for users to upgrade to a more secure operating system.
In Australia, about 10% of all PCs, which is approximately 2.5 million, are still running Windows XP. This highlights the need for users to consider upgrading to a more secure operating system.
Windows XP users should consider upgrading to a newer operating system to ensure they receive security updates and support. This will help protect their systems from vulnerabilities and cyber threats.
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