Cybersecurity, IT Maturity
2020 is fast approaching, and with it come the holidays, New Year’s resolutions… and a deadline. On January 14, 2020, support for Windows 7 will officially end. Users will no longer receive patches, updates, or any of the virus-fighting assistance they’ve previously relied on. And if you’re like 43% of executives, you’re probably still running Windows 7—this upcoming end of support is enough reason to transition to Windows 10, but you know what? It’s far from the only reason.
Long before Microsoft announced Window’s 7 end of life, the operating system had several issues. And as the system continues to age, those issues are only increasing. So if you think you’re safe sticking with Windows 7, we have some important news to share.
Here are 7 things we hate about Windows 7 (and 7 reasons why transitioning is the only choice):
It’s Old
Ok, this first one might sound harsh, but we aren’t fans of old technology. And when it comes to Windows 7, old is being generous. The operating system has been around for over a decade; technology years move even quicker than dog years, which means that the system is essentially obsolete. New tech is usually better tech, and in the case of Windows 10, it comes with neat features like Cortana and a more streamlined Start Menu. Furthermore, Windows 7’s age means…
It’s Slow
Windows 7 put up a good fight, but it simply can’t keep up with newer operating systems. Windows 10 consistently beats it in terms of startup time and (most) app functions. Additionally, Windows 10 will only get faster as Microsoft continues to upgrade its system; because Windows 7 won’t be updated anymore, it will only become slower and slower. And slow run-time is a huge issue for productivity, made even worse by the fact that…
Windows 7 isn’t Secure
Windows 7 has experienced its fair share of malware. It was the primary system affected by the devastating WannaCry ransomware, and it’s also been affected by smaller attacks, like Petya. A large reason why the system was susceptible is because it doesn’t have the same securities as Windows 10. It’s simply an older system, so it only makes sense that the securities wouldn’t be equal. Not only that, but…
It’s about to Become Even Less Secure
Part of ending Windows 7 support means ending updates to security. While Windows 10 will continue to be updated, Windows 7 users are on their own. Even if a security threat is detected and a solution exists, Microsoft is under no obligation to increase their protections. Additionally, the lack of updates means that…
Windows 7 Will Stop Being HIPAA Compliant
A huge part of HIPAA compliance involves continuously updating and strengthening your security. Windows 7’s end of support means exactly the opposite—the system will become less secure, and thus less safe for client information. HIPAA compliance is necessary for the healthcare field, but it’s also a fundamental framework for all businesses. If your operating system isn’t HIPAA compliant, it probably isn’t safe to be using. Similarly, if it’s not HIPAA compliant…
It Will Stop Being GDPR and PCI DSS Compliant
GDPR compliance is important for every company that does business with E.U. residents. An ever bigger concern is PCI DSS compliance, which targets a bigger field and involves specific regulations for every company that handles credit cards. If you continue to use Windows 7, you’ll be unable to work with millions of people, and your credit card use could be restricted or axed entirely. Essentially, Windows 7 will cause you to lose out on customers, become less secure, and take a hit to productivity. And this gets into our biggest beef with Windows 7:
It’s Not Windows 10
Across the board, Windows 10 is simply a better operating system. This was already the case before 7’s end of life announcement, and it’s only going to become truer once Microsoft ends support. If you haven’t already transitioned to Windows 10, you still have a few weeks left.
There’s a lot to hate about Windows 7, but there’s a lot to love about Windows 10. Make the switch before it’s too late.
