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When "Not supported" is supported - Microsoft patches old operating systems against new th


Every now and then something bad enough to require support for end-of-life (unsupported) operating systems.

"Microsoft says that vulnerable in-support systems (those still supported by the company) include Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Windows Server 2008. Out-of-support systems include Windows 2003 and Windows XP. Customers running Windows 8 and Windows 10 are not affected by the vulnerability."

Here's a groovy image to make you feel better about how scared you should be...


I am not about to go into details on BlueKeep.

These articles provide more than enough of that...

Of course Microsoft says the best thing to do is upgrade to the latest operating system and the anti-virus companies suggest you buy their product to stay safe.

You should really install all the latest security updates offered to you, but as I have outlined before, this is not without risk so staying safe MUST include proper backups. See linked article.

While an update may protect you from a bad guy, it may render your machine inoperable. This happens less often these days, but it still happens.

It is an interesting situation to consider;

Staying on old and unsupported operating systems has a variety of risks, but quite possibly exposure to new threats would be a dwindling risk.

After all, the bad guys writing the viruses prefer to chase the biggest market too. Why write a virus when only a handful of people are still running a particular operating system (windows XP I am talking to you)?

That doesn't consider that old viruses never really go away. They just float around until they find a host to exploit...in a general and wafty sense of course.


Actually, I think the advice of Microsoft and the Antivirus vendors is reasonable.

It IS what I do. I run the latest version of Windows 10 and I pay for a good antivirus product.

What do I recommend? I use Malwarebytes Premium - yes, I pay for it.

At present Malwarebytes is doing a great job and not pestering me about it. [Touch wood]

I get really annoyed with Antivirus and security products that, even in paid form, pester the crap out of people. Malwarebytes ISN'T like that.

Of course things can change. In the past I've recommended many other anti-virus product only to have them go bad at some point for one reason or another.

It is all a moving feast. Keep eating. Be sensible. Moderation is the key ;-)

Thanks to Ron Leenders for prompting this post.

David

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