Sophos emphasizes that XP might make users’ data vulnerable to hackers

Apr 9, 2013 01:31 GMT  ·  By

Security companies are following Microsoft’s lead and are now urging Windows XP users to dump the 11-year-old operating system and to move to a newer and more secure platform.

Security vendor Sophos said in a blog post that hackers might try to exploit unpatched systems after Microsoft officially retires Windows XP, especially because these would have slight chances to block their attempts.

“There's certainly the potential for a lot of havoc, for instance new internet-propagating worms that target Windows XP systems, or even just an increase in Internet Explorer 8 browser exploits that could open the doors wide for all manner of malware infections,” Joshua Long of Sophos said.

The only way to make sure you’re on the safe side is to switch to a newer Windows version, such as the recently released Windows 8 that’s said to be the most secure and the safest platform to date.

“If you don't think you can afford it, skip the Starbucks for a few months and set aside that money for a Windows upgrade,” Sophos recommends.