RBI tells banks to protect ATMs and systems with Windows XP owing to support ...
The RBI (Reserve Bank of India) has asked banks across the country to gear up for the end of Windows XP support. The shutdown puts a lot of ATMs at risk of attack by mischief makers looking to lay hands on a quick buck. Microsoft has been offering technical help on its Windows XP OS since 2001, that's 12 years.
On April 8, 2014, it will stop lending such assistance. Of course, it shouldn't come as a shocker to organizations and individuals alike since Microsoft has been warning everyone about this for a few months now. Apparently, 34,115 public sector bank branches in India will face problems if they haven't upgraded their systems yet, going by Ascentius Consulting figures revealed in November 2013.
In the US, 420,000 ATMs are said to use Windows XP. Microsoft won't be releasing more updates and fixes for bugs in this software. This means any vulnerabilities that hackers uncover won't be patched up by the company. The RBI has issued a circular to banks which directs those in charge to make provision for this situation by implementing appropriate systems and controls.
While many organizations may feel like they're being forced into an upgrade, it's just a normal part of software evolution. There's no perfect system that can defend against trouble makers and patches help refine them only to a certain extent. 16% PCs in Indian firms still depend on Windows XP, even though Windows 7 and 8/8.1 have already been released.
What about those of you with home PCs running Windows XP? Have you upgraded yet?
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