Microsoft Windows XP Security Update: Operating System Will No Longer Provide Anti-Malware Signatures

Jul 16, 2015 02:40 AM EDT

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As the system becomes outdated, Microsoft is no longer able to provide anti-malware signatures, urging users to update to a more feasible option that supports the security updates. XP was launched in 2001 and is a favorite amongst consumers and business owners.

According to ZD Net, Microsoft has said that it will no longer support anti-malware signatures for the Windows XP system via its Security Essentials Package claiming that the system is antique. Though the support for the operating system was discontinued in April 2014, updates to the security package were available until recently, Microsoft decided to shut it down completely. While the download of the security essentials package is now blocked, users with the operating system have continued to receive anti-malware signatures for the last sixteen months. This has been possible only because these signatures are generated through the company's anti-malware engine.

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In its statement, Microsoft said that XP was an outdated system and users who continued to rely on it after April 2014 (when the support was officially ended) should consider their system exposed to threats, as the security will never be up to date until they shift to a higher version of the Windows operating system. The company urged its customers to upgrade as soon as possible.

As per the analysis of Net Market Share, currently there are 12 percent of personal computers that access the internet through the Windows XP operating system. Even the U.S. Navy paid $9 million to finalize an extended support deal with Microsoft.

Calling it just another stop gap arrangement, Security expert Graham Clueley said that those relying on Windows XP should invest in an update as soon as possible. As Microsoft gets ready to launch Windows 10, the decision to discard what is old and outdated does not come as a surprise.

Windows 10 is expected to hit markets on July 29 and happens to be one of the most awaited offerings of the Microsoft group this year. It is also being speculated that Microsoft is planning to develop its recently acquired smartphone business in accordance to the latest Windows 10.

TagsMicrosoft XP updates, Microsoft Windows 10, Windows security udpate