Microsoft has urged warned users to upgrade their computers as software support has ended for Windows 7 which could allow cyber-attacks.
From Tuesday the Windows 7 operating system will no longer receive any updates which means Microsoft will not stop patching any weaknesses making PC’s vulnerable to a range of potential attacks.
GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has warned those who are using the popular operating system not to access any banking online, emails or any other service that contains sensitive information.
Windows 7 remains one of the most popular operating systems with a 32.74% global share, according to NetMarketShare estimations by the end of 2019.
An NCSC spokesman said, “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.”
Microsoft is moving away from dated technologies to increase more focus on newer operating systems.
Companies that use Microsoft Windows 7 can pay the company for extended security updates until January 2023.
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