Many ATMs Are Still Running Windows XP

Only 15% of ATMs are running on Windows 7 or higher. On April 8th Windows XP will no longer be supported by Microsoft and will become highly vulnerable to hackers.

Once the deadline expires,  ATMs will become further vulnerable to malware and data theft. Unless they are running on an Embedded version of Windows XP. This will give banks a little more time as Microsoft will continue to support that version until early 2016, according to Dean Stewart, an executive at ATM supplier Diebold. Only 15 percent of ATMs will be running Windows 7 by the April 8 deadline, added Aravinda Korala, CEO of specialty software supplier KAL.

If the operator would like to  receive extended support, they will be able to buy one. JP Morgan Chase is doing this for its thousands of ATMs, according to the report. The extended support could become even more expensive in the second year, according to Korala. Depending on the age of the ATM, it could require new hardware components that cost a few hundred dollars or, for older machines, several thousand dollars.

Everywhere we go we see Windows XP machines they are still at numerous banks and retail establishments. I am a student at California State University Fullerton and most of our classrooms and computer labs still have Windows XP-based PCs.

Unfortunately, a lot of establishments now feel no need to upgrade thanks to this week’s news that Microsoft will extend anti-malware support until January 14, 2015. However, Microsoft warned that the extended support doesn’t mean that’s a good reason to wait longer to upgrade your Windows XP systems, which will remain vulnerable to other attacks after April 8.

At the Orange County Computer^® Tech Repair Center, we strongly urge clients to upgrade their Operating System  if entirely possible.

For further information or guidance on what steps you or your company should take in preparation of this monumental IT event, contact a member of our Technical Support Team at (949) 699-6619 and we will move your system into a more stable  and secure platform.