14 DAY TRIAL // Windows XP is no longer receiving support, and Microsoft warns that without security updates and patches, a computer running this operating system could easily be hacked by someone who finds an unpatched vulnerability.
But as far as security experts at anti-virus testing institute AV-TEST are concerned, everything should be just fine as long as you run third-party protection that’s fully updated on your computer.
What’s more, they say that nobody predicts a massive attack against Windows XP users anytime soon, pointing out that there’s indeed a risk that without OS updates, the system could get hacked.
“None of the manufacturers surveyed anticipate a massive attack on Windows XP. There is concern, however, that individual vulnerabilities in XP will be selectively exploited due to missing updates,” AV-TEST said in a report published recently.
“All the vendors are in agreement in one area: Anyone running Windows XP should remember to constantly update installed utility software such as Java or Flash. What's more, XP PCs should not be used to constantly surf the Web or serve as an e-mail platform. Most of the malware finds its way into a Windows system via these pathways.”
Microsoft claims that it’s essential for users to update to another Windows version that still receives updates, and while AV-TEST experts agree, they claim that solutions to clean an infected computer still exist and it shouldn’t be too difficult to get rid of malware in case it penetrates your system.