During an external year-end audit, the BSDIS Information Security Office found several systems running the Windows 7 operating system. Microsoft ended the 10-year life cycle of Windows 7 in January 2020, which means that they will not provide any more patches for bugs and security updates. Computers still running this version of Windows will be more vulnerable than ever because outdated software greatly increases the risk of spreading malware.
BSDIS would like to partner with faculty and staff to address the Windows 7 vulnerability by January 1, 2023, including upgrading Windows 7 to Windows 10. We understand that it may be either too expensive or not practical to upgrade all Windows 7 machines, because some software for research may not run under Windows 10. If this is the case, please contact BSDIS as soon as possible by emailing bsdis@bsd.uchicago.edu, or by calling 773.834.4000.
BSDIS is committed to providing a solution that will allow you to continue to use your Windows 7 machines in a manner that enables you to continue your work, and that provides the security necessary for your machines and the BSD.
