News

Microsoft Warns of Windows Server 2003 Security Support Deadline

Microsoft issued a reminder last week that it will stop sending security updates to System Center Endpoint Protection and Forefront Endpoint Protection for Windows Server 2003 on July 14, 2015.

Windows Server 2003 will also become an "unsupported" product on that date, according to Microsoft's product lifecycle schedule. Products that have passed their "extended support" period no longer receive product updates, including security patches, from Microsoft, presenting a potential security risk for organizations.

In the months before Windows XP was set to lose its product support in April 2014, Microsoft did at least state that it was extending the release of anti-malware definitions for that client operating system. However, in the case of Windows Server 2003, anti-malware support ends when the server becomes an unsupported product. Microsoft is not extending the issuance of anti-malware protections for organizations not making the July 14 deadline.

Microsoft will stop sending so-called "nonsecurity updates," too, by July 14 for System Center Endpoint Protection and Forefront Endpoint Protection for Windows Server 2003. There will be no "free or paid assisted support options" coming from the company.

Microsoft doesn't recommend using Windows Server 2003 past its product lifecycle end date. Even if Windows Server 2003 had good anti-malware support post-July 14, such support may not be enough to keep it secure, according to Microsoft.

"We have found in our research that the effectiveness of antimalware solutions on out-of-support operating systems is limited," the announcement warned.

About the Author

Kurt Mackie is senior news producer for 1105 Media's Converge360 group.

Featured

  • Microsoft to Shut Down Skype Services

    Microsoft will discontinue its Skype telecommunications and video calling services on May 5, 2025, marking the end of the platform's decades-long run.

  • Big Blue To Acquire Datastax in Enterprise AI Play

    In a bid to bolster its enterprise-aimed AI capabilities, IBM is planning to acquire Datastax, a leading AI and data solutions provider, for an undisclosed amount.

  • Microsoft Confirms End of HoloLens Mixed Reality Hardware

    Microsoft officially announced this week that it is discontinuing its HoloLens mixed reality hardware, marking the end of its efforts in the space.

  • Microsoft Rolls Out Final Cumulative Update for Exchange Server 2019

    On Monday, Microsoft released the last major update for Exchange Server 2019. The aging Exchange Server is set to lose support on Oct. 14, 2025.