US-CERT Issues Windows Server 2003 End-of-Life Alert
The drumbeat over the end of support for Windows Server 2003 is getting louder and more insistent.
On Monday, US-CERT issued an alert titled "Microsoft Ending Support for Windows Server 2003 Operating System" to warn subscribers about the risk that the deadline next summer represents for organizations' security postures.
US-CERT is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and CERT stands for Computer Emergency Readiness Team.
Much as it ended support for Windows XP on April 8, 2014, Microsoft will stop supporting Windows Server 2003 on July 14, 2015. At that time, Microsoft will no longer provide free security patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities, assisted technical support for the product or software updates.
"Using unsupported software may increase the risks of viruses and other security threats," CERT warns in the alert. "Negative consequences could include loss of confidentiality, integrity and or availability of data, system resources and business assets."
US-CERT's recommendations include looking for software vendors and service providers who offer assistance in migrating from Windows Server 2003 to a supported operating system or a cloud-based service.
The advisory follows recent announcements by several major partners, including Insight Enterprises, that they are rolling out major Windows Server 2003 migration initiatives.
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Posted by Scott Bekker on November 10, 2014