The announcement that Windows would no longer support Windows 7 after January 14, 2020, came a little over a year ago, leaving many organizations running the version of software no other choice but to prepare for the future upgrades necessary to keep devices running. After the 2020 date Microsoft will not be releasing any new security updates, servicing updates, or technical updates for Windows 7. While this is not a new announcement, it bears hearing periodic reminders to remain at the forefront of your organization’s future plans. This article focuses on the healthcare industry in particular, as many healthcare organizations are running the outdated operating system that will only become more vulnerable in the months leading to the end of security coverage.

In healthcare, there are many clear reasons why the use of current, supported software is paramount. In an article by DISYS, they quote Michael Robinson, Microsoft’s general manager of US health and life sciences, "[h]ealthcare organizations are under increasing pressure to deliver improved quality of care, provide better access for more patients and lower costs, while tackling productivity and workforce shortage challenges."

The healthcare industry is necessarily at the forefront of technological innovations that give a patient-focused approach to innovation. Another important factor to keep in mind as healthcare organizations prepare to move to Windows 10 is the need to remain compliant to the strict regulations that guide the industry to protect data security—an ongoing struggle as attacks continue to gain sophistication. Ongoing support is a must have in healthcare and organizations will be considered noncompliant if they are running outdated software. Under the security rules of HIPAA, you are required to check and perform regular updates on the software that your organization is using. Keeping all electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI) safely controlled is a condition of HIPAA regulation and one to be taken very seriously.

In recent years, there have been many warnings for Microsoft users to migrate to later versions of Windows operating systems to avoid losing ongoing support from the software giant. While moving to Windows 10 for most healthcare organizations isn’t exactly a simple migration, it’s one that is inevitable. This gives healthcare IT roughly two years to have completely integrated Windows 10 into healthcare facilities—which could include introducing new software that includes controls supported by Windows 10.

The state of security in healthcare

The healthcare industry understandably falls under constant pressure to deliver the utmost quality of care for patients. With the surge in connectivity that is present in emerging technological advances, healthcare is expected to provide greater access and have a farther reach for patient care. Digital processes typically mean more precise delivery of information for patients and practitioners. The fast-paced innovations are exciting as they apply to the healthcare industry, which makes it more important than ever to enhance security measures surrounding new modernization in healthcare technology.

The healthcare industry is booming with the advances in technology that drive interoperability, innovative health devices, and high-functioning software helping to bring efficiency and mobility to patients and providers. With exciting growth comes more vulnerability and for many facilities, they can find themselves in an unsecure position, running outdated operating systems and/or outdated internal processes that put them at great risk of internal breaches.

There have been many major cyber attacks in recent years that have targeted the healthcare industry with breaches exposing valuable personal health records and jeopardizing the security of patients involved. This grim trend certainly calls for special attention to security in the healthcare industry which is why remaining compliant to industry regulations is so important. A secure and productive operating system is an integral piece of healthcare—accessing data safely and securely is critical to patient care.

Organizations running outdated technology should expect an increase in attacks. Old machines and outdated software in hospitals and other healthcare facilities is a huge problem, putting patient safety in jeopardy. Healthcare IT must become much more proactive in correcting security vulnerabilities and preparing for the future of attacks that put their patients in danger. The consequences in healthcare can be detrimental as the health and safety of patients is directly affected. The difference between a system that is up to date and managed correctly and one that is outdated could quite literally be the difference between life and death. Many healthcare programs used in hospitals are on computers with supported software that can be hacked, just like a laptop or desktop computer, so it’s imperative that security be considered and processes are in place to keep equipment up to date. Old software results in becoming more vulnerable to attacks. Plain and simple.

While updating software can be a huge project, warning of discontinuing support for outdated operating systems such as Windows 7 will be huge liability when the January 2020 arrives. It’s better to start switching over sooner than later so that you are prepared with the new software integrations to keep your organization as safe and secure as possible.

The lesson to be learned is that adopting Windows 10 is an inevitable event. It’s much better to make the move with enough time to train employees and make the appropriate corrections to ensure workflow will not be suddenly disrupted when the day finally arrives to be moved over to the new operating system. While it may take some time for the rest of the world to catch up with software updates that can be supported on Windows 10, it’s time to start thinking about that transition and finding realistic ways of making the switch. Many industries are moving to the updated software and healthcare is at a great risk of becoming vulnerable to threats caused by outdated software. Windows 7 users are at a particular disadvantage in healthcare with so much to lose.

For more information on performing a full risk assessment on your organization, or to speak with Crossroads Technologies, Advisory Services Division, contact us at 1 (800) 548-3893 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

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