Windows 7 Support Ends
Act now to maintain security
14 January 2020
Microsoft has issued this statement -
"As of 14 January 2020, your computer running Windows 7 will still function but Microsoft will no longer provide the following: Technical support for any issues - Software updates - Security updates or fixes.
While you could continue to use your PC running Windows 7, without continued software and security updates, it will be at greater risk for viruses and malware. Going forward, the best way for you to stay secure is on Windows 10. And the best way to experience Windows 10 is on a new PC. While it is possible to install Windows 10 on your older device, it is not recommended.”
Internet Explorer
Microsoft are also ending support for version 10 of their legacy browser, Internet Explorer -
-
"After January 14, 2020, IE 10 will not release any security or non-security updates, free or paid assisted support options, or online technical content changes for IE 10. Customers will have until January 31, 2020 to complete the transition from IE 10 to IE 11 to remain supported."
As no further security patches will be issued for these products, existing users are advised to migrate to supported products as soon as possible and in the meantime take extra precautions to reduce the risk of falling prey to malware.
Microsoft link on the issue: opens in new window
Dixons Carphone
Maximum fine under old legislation
9 January 2020
Dixons Carphone, the group that owns the brands including PC World and Carphone Warehouse, has been fined £500,000; the maximum possible under the old Data Protection Act, 1998.
The data breach was discovered in summer 2019 and involved the installation of malware on over 5,000 tills in branches of Currys PC World and the Dixons Travel chains. The breach of personal data security affected at least 14 million customers of the chain.
Under the new GDPR legislation, introduced on 25 May 2018, the maximum fine could have been up to 4% of the Group's global turnover and therefore far higher than £500,000. Recent fines of over £100m have been levied on British Airways and the Marriot Hotel Group.