If you’re still using Windows XP, it may soon be time to upgrade. Microsoft recently announced that it will no longer patch the twelve-year-old operating system come next April. This means that any hacker who wishes to exploit Windows XP will be able to do so without having Microsoft patch the issue. Currently, any new vulnerabilities are investigated by Microsoft, which then releases a patch to users after figuring a way to combat them. But come next April, Microsoft will no longer release patches for Windows XP, meaning the operating system will be open to any hacker with a newly-discovered exploit. This means it will be open season for the hacker black market, and a rough time for anyone still using Windows XP. So what should you do to prepare? Most Windows computers purchased in the last several years have Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8 installed. If you’re running a computer that pre-dates Vista, it’s probably a good time to upgrade your rig.
About Shelly Palmer
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named LinkedIn’s “Top Voice in Technology,” he covers tech and business for Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular daily business blog. He's a bestselling author, and the creator of the popular, free online course, Generative AI for Execs. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.