An important component in managing your infrastructure is ensuring that key systems stay on supported platforms. One of the more important notices is that Microsoft will be ending support for Windows 8/8.1 on January 10, 2023. This means that Microsoft will no longer be providing support or critical security patches on a monthly basis as they do today after that date. This will leave those computers exposed to vulnerabilities and given the state of the cyber world today, we advise replacing or upgrading all Windows 8/8.1 devices before the end of support date.
Microsoft is also ending support for Windows Server 2012 R2 on October 10, 2023. Just as with Windows 8/8.1, Microsoft will no longer provide support or patching beyond that date. Microsoft has said their will allow organizations to pay for an “Extended Security Update” service which essentially will allow your server to continue to receive patches past the end of support date for a fee. This extended service will be available for three years at an ever-increasing cost.
Adobe will be ending support for its Acrobat 2017 product on June 6, 2022. Similar to Microsoft this means that Adobe will not provide patching or support after that date. Adobe has also announced that they are on a five-year cycle for products now, meaning a release of Acrobat will be supported for five years only after release. Users of Abode Acrobat 2017 are advised to upgrade to Acrobat DC or Acrobat 2020.
Microsoft is also deprecating support for other software besides operating systems. One we have spoken about in the past in Internet Explorer. All versions including the most current version 11 will be unsupported as of June 15, 2022. The concern by many is if Microsoft would actually remove Internet Explorer from Windows 10 completely via Windows update as was rumored. We are happy to report those rumors appear to be false as Microsoft says it has no plans to uninstall Internet Explorer from Windows 10.
Keeping current with software releases is an important component of data security. Hackers can and will use any avenue available to them to covertly steal information and software vulnerabilities are one of those avenues. Colden Company offers a workstation patch management service where we not only ensure Microsoft Windows is up to date but many popular software packages as well like Adobe Acrobat, Zoom and many others.
Please reach out to us today if you have any concerns about the security of your software and let our security certified experts help. We can be reached at (888) 600-4560 or via email at info@coldencompany.com.