In four months, you will no longer receive any Microsoft Updates for Windows XP. Therefore, you should obtain all the security patches now while you can.
Furthermore, keep in mind that you choose to put your computer at risk of vulnerability if you use an outdated operating system for too long. The exception of this is when you never use your PC to connect to the Internet and don’t use any removable disks for frequent file transferring. Other than that, you open yourself up to possible attack every time you go online. Take caution, and do what you need to do to protect yourself while using XP or any other OS.
How Recent Exploits Affect PC Users
This past November (2013), hackers found a way to change code within the NDProxy.sys Windows driver file. This result in the attacker’s ability to install new programs, delete necessary file and create new administrative accounts. In fact, this may even have affected some Windows 7 users; although one report dated the 28th of November says it wouldn’t (http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9244428/Attackers_exploit_unpatched_flaw_to_hit_Windows_XP_Server_2003).
No matter what Windows version you use, if you ever suddenly found that you were locked out of your laptop or desktop computer when trying to sign into your administrative account, someone most likely exploited you. It actually happens more often than you would think – even to some of the most computer-savvy people. If this happens to you on Windows 7 or 8, it might be because the XP exploit is too far under the spotlight right now.
Upcoming Windows XP Updates
If you still use Windows Server 2003, watch out for new security patches that will address hacking issues that took place this past November. This new update will help combat exploits that infected older versions of Adobe Reader, making this common plug-in a pawn for attack.
The patches will not be marked “critical,” but still hold priority for people who want to stay protected. Receiving these new security patches could stop an attacker from having access to a guest account, or another with low privileges. This will in turn stop them from somehow infiltrating their exploits into the administrative user account by finding a small vulnerability that allows them to do so. Do not give hackers an inch, or they will invade you before you realize what happened.
The Future of XP Users
Windows XP has become the operating system used for the most number of years. Think about it. What other version of this OS remained relevant for over 13 years? Not one has served individuals and companies for that long.
It may be this reason alone that may stop a fourth of PC users from making the switch to Windows 7 or 8. People can become attached to something they like, even if that something is no longer as good for them as it was in the past.
This kind of loyalty might seem admirable, but in the end, the computer users still running on XP could become the doormat. It could leave them wide open for attack when they could otherwise remain safe when using the Internet and transferring files from one device to another.
Eventually, XP user will have to let go. On the other hand, this may require that Microsoft improves the security of their newer operating systems as well.
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9245114/Windows_8_regains_uptake_mojo_XP_restarts_death_slide
