“You better live every day like your last because one day you’re going to be right.” –Ray Charles
It’s time to talk about a really difficult and emotional subject: End of Life. Fortunately, we are not talking about my End of Life, and hopefully, we aren’t talking about your End of Life. God, in His mercy, didn’t tell us when we are due to expire. Microsoft, on the other hand, is playing god of the software universe and they have told us when their products are going to expire.
The expiration dates are referred to as “End of Life”.
What does “End of Life” mean in the world of software?
Unlike the mystery bowl in the back of your refrigerator, it does not mean your computer will suddenly grow green and moldy. It does mean that Microsoft will cease to love and care for it. Continuing to use the software is “At Your Own Risk”.
I asked AI to summarize what that means, and here is the response:
Security: After end-of-life, software is no longer patched or updated, leaving it vulnerable to security risks and exploits.
Compatibility: Old software may not be compatible with new hardware or new operating systems.
Compliance: Continued use of outdated software may violate industry regulations or legal requirements.
Support: Vendors stop providing technical support, making it difficult to resolve problems.
Insurance Woes: Cybersecurity insurance providers often view the continued use of outdated software as a potential risk, as it can increase the likelihood of a security breach or data loss. This is because outdated software may have unpatched vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals.
When assessing risks, insurers may consider factors such as:
· The type of software and its end-of-life status
· The sensitivity and value of the data being protected
· The organization’s overall cybersecurity posture and practices. Continued use of outdated software may lead to higher insurance premiums, reduced coverage, or even denial of coverage in some cases. It’s essential to maintain up-to-date software and follow best cybersecurity practices to minimize risks and ensure comprehensive insurance coverage.
I am not an insurance agent, so please, consult with your cybersecurity insurance expert to understand the specific terms and conditions of your policy.
Why do I mention this now? Windows 10 expires in 14 months but the nagging popups are happening now. Replacing an aging computer is a pain in the rump and it’s not free either! Hopefully, this will give you time to plan and budget. Comp-U-Talk would love to be a part of the replacement/upgrade process.
Give us a call. We will put you on the schedule.
Janet
