RBI cautioned banks to protect ATMs and systems as Windows XP support ends on April 8, 2014

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cautioned banks to take immediate steps to implement appropriate systems and controls if their systems and ATMs are still working on Windows XP, as Microsoft will stop issuing updates and patches for bugs in its Windows XP operating system (OS) from April 8, 2014.
If the updates and patches for bugs are stopped, then the probability of attacks on systems based on Windows XP OS may increase and it may be difficult to defend such attacks in the absence of Microsoft support.
Potential risks users will face as staying with Windows XP after April 8, 2014
After the deadline, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support for Windows XP then the potential risks users face are

• Security: Without critical Windows XP security updates, our PC may become vulnerable to harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software which can steal or damage our business data and information.
• Lack of Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Support: Many software vendors will no longer support their products running on Windows XP as they are unable to receive Windows XP updates. For example, the new Office takes advantage of the modern Windows and will not run on Windows XP.
• Hardware Manufacturer support: Most PC hardware manufacturers will stop supporting Windows XP on existing and new hardware. This will also mean that drivers required to run Windows XP on new hardware may not be available.

Note: The customers and partners will have to migrate to a modern operating system viz.  Windows 8.1 to receive regular security updates to protect their computer from malicious attacks. It will enhance security, broad device choice for a mobile workforce, higher user productivity, and a lower total cost of ownership through improved management capabilities.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2014