Thanks to shows like The Walking Dead, we’re all prepared for a zombie apocalypse. We know how to fight off zombies, avoid getting bitten, and when to run. But what happens when the apocalypse is much more likely to happen and zombies have already been welcomed into your organization? This scenario is far too real for many businesses: Windows 7 will soon be the zombie in your office that will infect everything.
Windows 7 End of Life (EOL) Is Less than 6 Months Away
Effective January 14, 2020, Windows 7 will no longer be supported by Microsoft. The OS will continue to launch and run, but users will no longer receive updates or support. After the EOL date, systems still running Windows 7 will be considered unprotected, and as such, will be subject to higher security risks. It is important that all current users of Windows 7 migrate to Windows 10 prior to this date so that they can continue to receive regular security updates to help protect their devices from malicious attacks. It’s already past the time when organizations should be taking steps to update to Windows 10. In fact, Windows 7 lost mainstream support from Microsoft in 2015 and it’s basically been on life support since then. Now they’re pulling the plug altogether, and any organization still relying on the platform will encounter operational difficulties as well as enormous security risks. There will be no more security patches issued and no more support extensions available.
Make the Move to Windows 10 Now
While Windows 10 did present some challenges for early adopters, those challenges have, for the most part, been resolved. It is a much more intuitive version of Windows, offering better collaboration tools, stronger security, and more efficiency, no matter the size of your business. But the key thing to remember is that Windows 10 is still supported by Microsoft, which means you will receive security updates and layers of protection that you will lose with Windows 7.
Remember WannaCry?
In 2017 the WannaCry ransomware cryptoworm infected more than 200,000 computers in 150 countries, costing companies millions – if not billions – of dollars. WannaCry was able to spread because the hackers took advantage of vulnerabilities in unsupported versions of Windows to access networks. It literally spread like a wildfire around the world. To avoid a similar situation with Windows 7, it is vital that you get in touch with your Managed Services Provider (MSP) today and schedule time to set up a plan to move your network to Windows 10.
Windows 7 Upgrade FAQs
There are many questions about the Windows 10 upgrade process, and we’re here to answer them and assist in the process. In the meantime, here a few quick FAQs to cover a few of the questions asked most often:
Q: What about Windows 8? Isn’t that a less expensive option?
We often talk about the need for organizations to be proactive instead of reactive in order to be more secure and make the best use of their IT investments. Moving to Windows 8 leaves you in a reactive and vulnerable state, because end of support for Windows 8 has already been announced. The few dollars you might save today will be spent making another shift far too soon. We strongly advise you to go ahead and make the move to Windows 10 now.
Q: Can I upgrade my existing PC to Windows 10?
A: Yes, you can upgrade compatible Windows 7 PCs (based on certain requirements with a full license – ask your CITM if you are unsure if your hardware is eligible for this upgrade). To take advantage of the latest hardware capabilities, we recommend moving to a new PC with Windows 10.
Q: What happens if I continue to use Windows 7?
A: You can continue to use Windows 7, but once support ends, your PC will become more vulnerable to security risks. Windows will operate but you will stop receiving security and feature updates.
Q: Can Windows 7 still be activated after January 14, 2020?
A: To avoid security risks and viruses, Microsoft recommends that you consider upgrading to Windows 10 well in advance of the end of life (EOL) date for Windows 7. Once the EOL date arrives, you will not be able to install any new Windows 7 instances or receive patches, old or new, for existing systems.
Act Now to Protect Your Organization from Windows 7 Security Risks
If you are a current Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 user and you don’t already have an upgrade plan in place, please talk to your Client IT Manager or Account Manager to discuss the transition so that there is no lapse in your security coverage. Here at The ITeam, we understand that replacing hardware and software can be a daunting task, so if you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to reach out to your ITeam Account or Client IT Manager to discuss your options. We are here to help make this as seamless and budget friendly as possible! Get in touch today.
Your Biggest Security Threat May Be Your Windows 7 Operating System
/0 Comments/in Asset Management, Security Alert, Small Business IT /by James WagnerWindows 7 End of Life (EOL) Is Less than 6 Months Away
Effective January 14, 2020, Windows 7 will no longer be supported by Microsoft. The OS will continue to launch and run, but users will no longer receive updates or support. After the EOL date, systems still running Windows 7 will be considered unprotected, and as such, will be subject to higher security risks. It is important that all current users of Windows 7 migrate to Windows 10 prior to this date so that they can continue to receive regular security updates to help protect their devices from malicious attacks. It’s already past the time when organizations should be taking steps to update to Windows 10. In fact, Windows 7 lost mainstream support from Microsoft in 2015 and it’s basically been on life support since then. Now they’re pulling the plug altogether, and any organization still relying on the platform will encounter operational difficulties as well as enormous security risks. There will be no more security patches issued and no more support extensions available.
Make the Move to Windows 10 Now
While Windows 10 did present some challenges for early adopters, those challenges have, for the most part, been resolved. It is a much more intuitive version of Windows, offering better collaboration tools, stronger security, and more efficiency, no matter the size of your business. But the key thing to remember is that Windows 10 is still supported by Microsoft, which means you will receive security updates and layers of protection that you will lose with Windows 7.
Remember WannaCry?
In 2017 the WannaCry ransomware cryptoworm infected more than 200,000 computers in 150 countries, costing companies millions – if not billions – of dollars. WannaCry was able to spread because the hackers took advantage of vulnerabilities in unsupported versions of Windows to access networks. It literally spread like a wildfire around the world. To avoid a similar situation with Windows 7, it is vital that you get in touch with your Managed Services Provider (MSP) today and schedule time to set up a plan to move your network to Windows 10.
Windows 7 Upgrade FAQs
There are many questions about the Windows 10 upgrade process, and we’re here to answer them and assist in the process. In the meantime, here a few quick FAQs to cover a few of the questions asked most often:
Q: What about Windows 8? Isn’t that a less expensive option?
We often talk about the need for organizations to be proactive instead of reactive in order to be more secure and make the best use of their IT investments. Moving to Windows 8 leaves you in a reactive and vulnerable state, because end of support for Windows 8 has already been announced. The few dollars you might save today will be spent making another shift far too soon. We strongly advise you to go ahead and make the move to Windows 10 now.
Q: Can I upgrade my existing PC to Windows 10?
A: Yes, you can upgrade compatible Windows 7 PCs (based on certain requirements with a full license – ask your CITM if you are unsure if your hardware is eligible for this upgrade). To take advantage of the latest hardware capabilities, we recommend moving to a new PC with Windows 10.
Q: What happens if I continue to use Windows 7?
A: You can continue to use Windows 7, but once support ends, your PC will become more vulnerable to security risks. Windows will operate but you will stop receiving security and feature updates.
Q: Can Windows 7 still be activated after January 14, 2020?
A: To avoid security risks and viruses, Microsoft recommends that you consider upgrading to Windows 10 well in advance of the end of life (EOL) date for Windows 7. Once the EOL date arrives, you will not be able to install any new Windows 7 instances or receive patches, old or new, for existing systems.
Act Now to Protect Your Organization from Windows 7 Security Risks
If you are a current Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 user and you don’t already have an upgrade plan in place, please talk to your Client IT Manager or Account Manager to discuss the transition so that there is no lapse in your security coverage. Here at The ITeam, we understand that replacing hardware and software can be a daunting task, so if you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to reach out to your ITeam Account or Client IT Manager to discuss your options. We are here to help make this as seamless and budget friendly as possible! Get in touch today.
The ITeam Ranked Among World’s Most Elite 501 MSPs
/0 Comments/in Managed IT, News /by James WagnerThe ITeam has been named as one of the world’s elite MSPs on the prestigious 12th-annual Channel Futures MSP 501 rankings.
Every year, MSPs worldwide complete an extensive survey and application to report their product offerings, growth rates, annual total and recurring revenues, pricing structures, revenue mix and more. MSPs were ranked according to a unique methodology that weights revenue figures according to how well the applicant’s business strategy anticipates trends in the fast-evolving channel ecosystem, and The ITeam was ranked among the most elite MSPs.
Channel Futures is pleased to name The ITeam to the 2019 MSP 501.
Ten special award winners will be recognized at the MSP 501 Awards Gala at Channel Partners Evolution, held this year September 9-12 in Washington, D.C. Nominations for these special awards, including Digital Innovator of the Year, Executive of the Year and the Newcomer Award, were included in the MSP 501 application, and all candidates were encouraged to submit for them.
In addition to deciding the rankings, the survey drives the creation of an annual in-depth study of business and technology trends in the IT channel, released each year at the Channel Partners Evolution conference. The full MSP 501 Report leverages applicant responses, interviews with industry experts and historical data to give a well-rounded picture of the managed services opportunity.
The complete 2019 MSP 501 list is available at Channel Futures.
Background
The 2019 MSP 501 list is based on data collected by Channel Futures and its sister site, Channel Partners. Data was collected online from March 1 through May 31, 2019. The MSP 501 list recognizes top managed service providers based on metrics including recurring revenue, growth and other factors.
About The ITeam
The ITeam provides comprehensive IT services to Alberta and Calgary businesses and has over 20 years of experience. The ITeam offers critical access to Calgary’s leading On Demand and managed technical IT support, with an emphasis on consistent services that offer companies a competitive advantage.
The ITeam is a partner to any organization that wants access to their own virtual IT services team, with a full range of services available at a moment’s notice. From network support to server hosting, the ITeam meets all the technical needs of a business.
About Informa Tech
Channel Futures, Channel Partners Online, Channel Partners Conference & Expo and Channel Partners Evolution are part of Informa Tech, a market-leading B2B information provider with depth and specialization in the Information and Communications (ICT) Technology sector. We help drive the future by inspiring the Technology community to design, build and run a better digital world through our market-leading research, media, training and event brands. Every year, we welcome 7,400+ subscribers to our research, more than 3.8 million unique visitors a month to our digital communities, 18,200+ students to our training programs and 225,000 delegates to our events.
IT Strategic Planning for Canada SMEs
/0 Comments/in Managed IT, Small Business IT /by James WagnerIn today’s rapidly moving business environment, most SMEs rely on their IT infrastructure to conduct most of their business. From accounting and office systems to communicating with customers, and from scheduling appointments and managing services to managing payroll and inventory and increasing efficiency, an SMEs IT infrastructure is often the backbone of the organization. Your IT strategy must be flexible and dynamic because technology does not stand still (and neither do hackers).
Your IT strategic planning process should consider the following factors:
IT Strategic Planning Benefits for Canada SMEs
A lack of proper IT planning will impact your employees, your customers, and your bottom line. For example, without a plan in place for lifecycle management, you may find that the operating system you use to manage your IT infrastructure is out of date and no longer supported (Windows 7 support ends January 2020!). This creates not just a disruption in your operations but also a significant security risk to your organization. An IT strategy that includes a plan for lifecycle management makes IT costs more predictable. Proactive IT strategy planning is essential for successful SMEs. Other benefits include:
Securing networks and private data is a top priority for organizations of every size in Alberta. SMEs are the lifeblood of Canada’s economy, but these organizations are only as strong as the IT strategy supporting their operations. If your SME needs help with IT strategic planning, IT infrastructure support, and IT security, get in touch.
How To Create an Effective Disaster Recovery Plan
/0 Comments/in BDR, Business Continuity, Cloud Hosting, Disaster Recovery /by James WagnerYou don’t have to increase spending to improve cybersecurity, but every business can be more strategic about what they spend where.
You Don’t Have to Increase Spending to Improve Cybersecurity
/0 Comments/in BDR, Business Continuity, Cloud Hosting, Disaster Recovery /by James WagnerBecause SMBs are easier targets, you may feel the need to invest heavily in the right infrastructure to protect your private information. Although cybersecurity is a must, a good strategy doesn’t have to drain your budget; managed services can be a predictable, plannable, and affordable cost. Your MSP can help protect your business and support a stronger strategy that includes:
Lifecycle management.
You’d be surprised how many systems are still running on outdated, unlicensed, or unpatched software. This leaves businesses completely open to attack, as critical upgrades to prevent data breaches must be installed to protect your organization. Hackers will take advantage of these vulnerabilities in your infrastructure.
Staff training and education.
Human error is the most challenging aspect of cybersecurity because it’s not as easily managed. The only way to mitigate the possibility of mistakes is to educate employees on an ongoing basis. Teach your staff about the latest phishing methods and implement basic policies and procedures to protect business data.
Strict permissions and policies.
Not everyone in your organization should have access to every system. Controlling access to your data to only those who must have such access can limit risk. As well, having strict policies about passwords, email security, and mobile device use can protect your organization.
Offsite backup and data recovery (BDR).
By storing a backup of your data at a secure offsite location, you will have access to the information your business needs to remain in operation, even if your facility is inaccessible or destroyed. Offsite backup and data recovery is critical to all businesses, no matter their size.
Multi-factor authentication.
Every organization should be using multi-factor authentication because password protection simply isn’t enough to protect your business. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a crucial security layer requiring more than one authentication method to verify a user’s identity.
These basic cybersecurity practices will help you protect your infrastructure in a cost-effective way. SMBs must defend against cybersecurity threats, because they are at risk, more so than larger organizations. These simple steps are the best start to securing your private networks, leaving more money in the budget for the right resources. Don’t fall victim to cyber threats when you can be prepared and remain competitive in a time when IT is your strongest asset.
As a top-rated IT security firm in Canada, we are committed to helping Calgary- and Alberta-based businesses develop proactive, cost-effective IT strategies that minimize risk, maximize efficiency, and build trust with Canadian citizens. Contact us to learn more.