14 DAY TRIAL // It’s a well-known fact that Windows XP is no longer getting updates and security patches from Microsoft, but some organizations across the world are still relying on it for really important activities.
This is the case of the Election Systems & Software, the Omaha, Nebraska-based company that’s in charge of election equipment system in Wichita County.
According to a TRN report, a recent inspection of the equipment has caused quite a lot of tension in the city because the Wichita County employees have refused to continue using the systems because of Windows XP.
“We have been having problems,” Wichita County Clerk Lori Bohannon told the Commissioners Court on Monday morning. “One test won’t make sure they work on Election Day.”
Most systems are still running Windows XP, Wichita County Information Technology specialist Ashley Culley reveals, which leads to enormous risks on the Election Day. Computers could be hacked and all information could be stolen due to unpatched vulnerabilities in the operating system, she warns, calling for urgent upgrades of the existing equipment.
“Information — names, streets — it can be compromised. It’s out there in the wide-open world,” Culley says.
ESS hasn’t yet decided on system upgrades, but the company has promised to at least offer better support in order to address any issue that might arise.
At this point, Windows XP continues to be the world’s second most-used operating system, with more than 23 percent of the desktop computers on the planet said to be powered by this outdated platform.