A statement from GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
Over the last month or so I have been posting regularly on my own and the CTO’s LinkedIn pages about upgrading Windows 7 machines to Windows 10 in light of Windows 7 going End-of-Support.
Support for Windows 7 has ended – After 10 years, security updates and technical support for Windows 7 ended on 14th January 2020. We recommend purchasing a Windows 11-compatible computer, but certain Windows 7 computers are eligible to upgrade to Windows 10 (for a fee).
As a Consultant/Sales Executive with CTO, I think some Users are sceptical and view this recommendation as a revenue generating exercise for myself and the company. It is with great pleasure, therefore, I release the following independent statement from a spokesman at GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC):
“The NCSC would encourage people to upgrade devices currently running Windows 7, allowing them to continue receiving software updates which help protect their devices,”
“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. They should also consider accessing email from a different device.”
Despite such advice, some people are stubbornly sticking to Windows 7. Consequently hackers and other miscreants are going to be all over the OS and if they can find an exploit, it won’t generally be fixed by Microsoft on upcoming Patch Tuesdays.
In short, upgrade. Yes, it’s a pain but so is being hacked by strangers on the internet. If you need help weeding out your Windows 7 machines then please get in touch.
NOTE ON WINDOWS 10: Certain Windows 7 devices may be able to upgrade to Windows 10 (for a fee), but Windows 10 will reach its end of support date on 14 October 2025. Windows 11 might be the way to go.
