eol windows 7

Eol windows 7 is still being used on legacy systems today. Ideally you need to upgrade to a later supported windows version however some companies can not migrate their app, service or platform to this without it costing millions of pounds and a rebuild. That compounded with today’s rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape, timely patch management is crucial for organisations aiming to safeguard their systems and data. However, many UK organisations face challenges in promptly addressing vulnerabilities, leading to extended periods of exposure. This issue is further exacerbated by the continued use of legacy systems, such as Windows 7 and other end-of-life (EOL) Windows servers. Innovative solutions like Morphisec offer advanced protection, enabling organisations to enhance their security posture effectively.

Average Time to Patch in UK Organisations

Recent analyses highlight concerning delays in vulnerability remediation among UK organisations. A report by BitSight revealed that, on average, UK entities take approximately 225.4 days to remediate known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs), which is longer than the European average of 220.6 days. Security Magazine

This protracted timeframe provides adversaries with ample opportunity to exploit unpatched vulnerabilities, increasing the risk of data breaches and other cyber incidents. In contrast, data from Qualys indicates a more optimistic scenario, with the average time to address vulnerabilities standing at 17 days. Internal issues are resolved slightly quicker, at 15 days, compared to 17 days for external vulnerabilities. Qualys Security Blog

This disparity underscores the variability in patch management practices across organisations and highlights the need for a more standardised approach to vulnerability remediation.

The Window of Vulnerability

The term “window of vulnerability” refers to the period during which systems are susceptible to exploitation due to unpatched security flaws. Given that some organisations take over 200 days to apply critical patches, this window remains alarmingly wide. Attackers can exploit these gaps to infiltrate systems, often causing significant damage before detection. Even with a 17-day patching cycle, organisations remain vulnerable, especially considering that threat actors can weaponise vulnerabilities within hours of disclosure. Morphisec

Challenges with Legacy Systems

The reliance on legacy systems, particularly those running EOL software like Windows 7, compounds the vulnerability issue. Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 in January 2020, ceasing the provision of security updates and patches. Despite this, many organisations continue to use Windows 7 and other outdated Windows servers, exposing themselves to unmitigated security risks. These unsupported systems are prime targets for cybercriminals, as they lack defences against newly discovered threats. Morphisec

Morphisec’s Advanced Protection Solutions

To address these challenges, organisations can turn to advanced security solutions like Morphisec. Morphisec employs a proactive approach to endpoint security, utilising its patented Moving Target Defense (MTD) technology. This innovative method morphs the memory structure of applications at runtime, effectively preventing zero-day, fileless, and in-memory attacks without relying on signatures or behavioural analysis. Morphisec

Benefits for Security Operations Centres (SOCs) and IT Teams

For SOCs and IT teams, especially those that are smaller or resource-constrained, Morphisec offers several advantages:

  • Reduced Workload: By preventing attacks pre-emptively, Morphisec minimises the number of security incidents that require investigation, allowing teams to focus on other critical tasks.
  • Elimination of False Positives: Traditional security solutions often generate numerous false alerts, leading to alert fatigue. Morphisec’s deterministic prevention approach ensures that only genuine threats are flagged, enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Simplified Management: Morphisec’s lightweight agent operates autonomously, requiring minimal configuration and maintenance, which is ideal for teams with limited resources.

Enhanced Exposure Management

Beyond threat prevention, Morphisec provides Adaptive Exposure Management, offering visibility into potential risks such as shadow IT, misconfigurations, and high-risk software. This feature enables organisations to proactively manage their security posture, reducing the likelihood of successful attacks. Morphisec

Summary:

The extended timeframes for patching vulnerabilities and the continued use of legacy, unsupported systems leave UK organisations vulnerable to cyber threats. Implementing advanced security solutions like Morphisec can significantly mitigate these risks. By adopting proactive defence mechanisms, organisations can protect their critical assets, reduce the burden on IT and security teams, and maintain a robust security posture in an increasingly hostile cyber environment. Morphisec