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Systems Affected
• Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 3 (SP3) Operating System
• Microsoft Office 2003 Products
Threat Level
Overview
Microsoft is ending support for the Windows XP operating system and Office 2003 product line on April 8, 2014. [1] After this date, these products will no longer receive:
• Security patches which help protect PCs from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software
• Assisted technical support from Microsoft
• Software and content updates
Description
All software products have a lifecycle. End of support refers to the date when Microsoft no longer provides automatic fixes, updates, or online technical assistance. [2] As of February 2014, nearly 30 percent of Internet-connected PCs still run Windows XP. [3]
Microsoft will send “End of Support” notifications to users of Windows XP who have elected to receive updates via Windows Update. Users in organizations using Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), System Center Configuration manager, or Windows Intune will not receive the notification. [4]
Impact
Computer systems running unsupported software are exposed to an elevated risk to cyber security dangers, such as malicious attacks or electronic data loss.
Users may also encounter problems with software and hardware compatibility since new software applications and hardware devices may not be built for Windows XP or Office 2003.
Organizations that are governed by regulatory obligations may find they are no longer able to satisfy compliance requirements. [4].
Solution/ Workarounds
✻ Update the latest version of the Mozilla's Firefox on Windows, Linux and Mac.
References
http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA14-069A-0
Disclaimer
The information provided herein is on "as is" basis, without warranty of any kind.
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