GCHQ warns against Windows 7 for email, banking
.png)
Windows 7 should not be used for sensitive tasks, such as banking or email, after the decade-old software hits end of life tomorrow (14/1/2020), the British government's security service has warned.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the public-facing arm of GCHQ, issued the warning ahead of Microsoft ending extended support for the ten-year-old operating system on 14 January, meaning Windows 7 will no longer get any security updates and that flaws will go unpatched and left open for hackers. Businesses will still be able able to pay to get security updates for the next three years.
"The NCSC would encourage people to upgrade devices currently running Windows 7, allowing them to continue receiving software updates which help protect their devices," an NCSC spokesperson told The Telegraph.
"We would urge those using the software after the deadline to replace unsupported devices as soon as possible, to move sensitive data to a supported device and not to use them for tasks like accessing bank and other sensitive accounts," the spokesperson added. "They should also consider accessing email from a different device."
The NCSC noted that criminals started targeting Windows XP immediately after extended support ended in 2015, though Microsoft has issued a handful of emergency patches for serious vulnerabilities despite officially ending support.
As of the end of 2019, Windows 7 was still used on 27% of desktops and laptops globally, according to Net Applications' Market Share, while 55% were on the most recent version, Windows 10. Indeed, a tiny slice, just over 2%, remain on Windows XP.
That includes consumer devices around the world, but Kaspersky warned last year that as many as half of small businesses still use older operating systems, such as Windows 7, despite the significant security risk. That's partially down to cost and dependence on apps unsupported on newer systems, but also down to habit, the security firm said. This is despite a number of high-profile attacks such as WannaCry, which targeted Windows 7 machines.
For those who prefer to plan ahead, Microsoft has already announced that it will end support for Windows 10 in 2025.
source itpro
Industry: Cyber Security
Latest Jobs
-
- Cyber Security Professional Services Lead | London | Immediate
- London
- N/A
-
Cyber Security Professional Services Lead London / Hybrid This role leads the delivery function for a cyber security professional services team, with ownership of utilisation, delivery quality, and team performance across multiple client programmes. You will drive billable utilisation, ensure projects are delivered on time and to standard, and manage resource planning across a complex portfolio. Acting as the escalation point for key engagements, you will also lead and develop a high-performing consulting team, maintaining strong client relationships and consistent delivery standards. Key responsibilities: Drive utilisation and delivery performance Ensure quality, on-time delivery across engagements Manage resource planning and capacity Act as escalation point for key programmes Lead and develop the consulting team Background: Currently leading a cyber or technology professional services function Recent track record improving utilisation and delivery outcomes Experience across multi-client, complex programmes Strong senior stakeholder engagement A hands-on leadership role with accountability for delivery, team performance, and commercial outcomes
-
- Cyber Security Sales | Enterprise | New Business | London
- City of London
- Uncapped OTE
-
Enterprise Account Executive | Cyber Security | UK London / UK (hybrid with client engagement) A scaling cyber security firm is hiring an Enterprise Account Executive to drive growth across large UK organisations. This role blends new business with ownership. You will open doors, create demand, and win enterprise accounts, then retain and grow those relationships into long-term, high-value partnerships. Targeting senior stakeholders at CISO, CIO, and board level, you will shape and close complex deals across cyber security, cloud, and transformation programmes. This is a strategic role. Fewer accounts, higher value, longer cycles. You are expected to build pipeline from scratch, with support around you but without reliance on inbound or marketing. A recent and consistent track record of achieving or exceeding sales targets is essential. This role requires someone currently performing at a high level in enterprise sales. UK-based, with remote working and client engagement as needed. Competitive base and uncapped earnings, with scope to build a meaningful enterprise portfolio.
-
- Cyber Security Sales | Financial Services | New Business | London
- England
- Uncapped OTE
-
New Business Lead | Cyber Security | Financial Services | London / UK UK Remote / London client travel A well-backed cyber security and technology firm is looking to hire a senior New Business Lead to drive UK growth, with a particular focus on Financial Services. This is a position for someone who knows how to open doors where others cannot. A role built around identifying opportunity, challenging incumbents, and converting that into long-term client relationships and revenue. You will own new logo acquisition across FS, working closely with leadership to shape go-to-market strategy and position across cyber security, cloud, and modernisation offerings. Full ownership of the sales lifecycle. Pipeline creation, deal strategy, negotiation, and close. The expectation is simple. Build momentum, win key accounts, and scale a function around you as revenue grows. Strong experience selling into Financial Services environments is key. Credibility at CISO, CIO, and board level matters. Remote-first, with London and client engagement as required. Competitive base, uncapped earnings, and genuine scope to build something meaningful. The successful sales person MUST have a recent history and current experinece of achieving / overachieving against sales target.