Are you using unsupported software?

[Meghan]

The below software is no longer supported by Microsoft and Apple:

• Windows Server 2003 and 2008
• Windows XP
• Windows Vista
• Windows 7
• Mac OS X (Snow Leopard)
• Mac OS X (Mavericks)
• Mac OS X (Yosemite)
• Mac OS X (El Capitan)
• Mac OS X (Sierra)
• Mac OS X (High Sierra) 

Why you shouldn’t use unsupported software

Unsupported software will not receive updates or security fixes which are vital in maintaining your system’s security. This leaves your system vulnerable to hackers who actively target unsupported systems.

In addition, as per your obligations outlined in the PEXA Subscriber Security Policy: "Subscribers are required to maintain the security of their computer systems by keeping them up to date. This includes maintaining a currently supported operating system."

When using unsupported software, this obligation can no longer be met as these products are not supported.

What action is required?

In order to ensure your compliance with the PEXA Subscriber Security Policy, you must upgrade as soon as possible to a supported version of Windows or macOS. Please note that for Mac users, you may have to purchase a new machine in order to upgrade to a supported operating system.  

PEXA recommends reaching out to your IT professional or industry body to assist you with this upgrade.

PEXA is responsible for maintaining the security of the network and may take steps to prevent user access to the platform from these unsupported operating systems, to ensure this.

Helpful links:

Upgrading FAQs

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/help/12435/windows-10-upgrade-faq

Windows Vista end of support

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/help/22882/windows-vista-end-of-support

How to upgrade (macOS)

https://www.apple.com/au/macos/how-to-upgrade/

[lexfx]

Mac OsX 10.15 (El Capitan) will only run 64 bit applications. While previous versions of OsX are now deprecated as far as updates are concerned, there are a number of malware and virus programs available for previous versions which provide protections. 

[DavidWillett]

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@lexfx wrote:

Mac OsX 10.15 (El Capitan) will only run 64 bit applications. While previous versions of OsX are now deprecated as far as updates are concerned, there are a number of malware and virus programs available for previous versions which provide protections. 

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Hey There,

Thank you so much for your comment. You are indeed correct that Anti Virus programs will continue to run and provide some protection on Operating Systems that are no longer supported by Apple or Microsoft. However when it comes to securing any device or system there is no single silver bullet, and an AV program will not be enough on its own if the OS is not receiving regular updates to patch security vulnerabilities. This is why it is important to make sure that you look at how you protect your systems with multiple layers of technology or controls. 

Anti Virus

Regular Patching

Strong Passwords
Multi Factor Authentication 

I hope this helps clarify things and please do not hesitate to ask any further questions you may have through our Community Security Pages. 

David Willett

Chief Information Security Officer - PEXA