Microsoft Ending Support For Windows XP


Microsoft recently published a notice that the software giant will retire support services for its Windows XP operating system on April 8, 2014. This marks the end of 12 years of technical support for the product, which Microsoft claims is the longest extended support period for any software product and service. It is important that businesses begin migrating to these platforms because once support for XP ends, organizations running the operating system could be targeted by hackers using unforeseen exploits.

There are many businesses that have yet to make the transition away from Windows XP, and they need to do so soon. According to Microsoft,  after April 8, 2014, there will be no new security updates, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options or online technical content updates.

I have written this post for the sake of connecting with businesses who may not understand why this change is important to their company’s security and integrity. Some may have the impression that since their Windows XP system has been working for them for many years and has remained relatively static that they should not be concerned about updates and hotfixes. Unfortunately, those who make this choice will be taking quite a risk.

When Microsoft releases a security update, security researchers and criminals may reverse engineer the update in an effort to identify the specific section of code that contains the vulnerability. Once they find this code, they will try to identify whether the same vulnerability exists on other versions of Windows. They will then attempt to develop new code that will allow them to exploit it on systems that do not have the security update installed on them. In the past, if a vulnerability is addressed in one version of Windows, researchers investigate whether other versions of Windows have the same vulnerability and simultaneously patch the issues on each platform. After April 8, 2014 there will be no such security updates for XP, and those still using the operating system will be left exposed to any and all such exploits.

Those who upgrade will inherit benefits such as a faster operating system, increased stability, and continued support from Microsoft. Upgrading your platform also enables your organization to take advantage of latest technology trends such as virtualization and the cloud.

If your business is still on Windows XP contact your systems administrator and discuss your options to upgrade. We at Zuma Technology are here to help you as well and you can contact us anytime.  We look forward to assisting you in any way that we can.

Have a Question? Feedback? Want to know more? We want to hear from you! Leave us a comment below, chat with us on Facebook and Twitter,  or call us at 1.805.277.9640.

By Kyle Jasinski – Google+

Andrew Lopez
Follow Us


Leave a Reply