"Prepare for Large-Scale Cyber Attacks"... Windows 7 Support Ends in D-1

Over 21% of Windows PCs in Korea still run Windows 7
Government launches large-scale replacement of Windows 7 PCs with Windows 10
2017 'WannaCry' ransomware targeted Windows XP PCs

[Asia Economy Reporter Jin-gyu Lee] In May 2017, the 'WannaCry' ransomware launched a large-scale cyberattack targeting PCs using Microsoft's (MS) Windows operating system (OS). It was a planned attack aimed at 'Windows XP' PCs, which had ended support updates. When infected by this ransomware, computer files were encrypted, and a message window demanding a ransom of approximately $300 in Bitcoin appeared on the screen. Within 15 days of the cyberattack, about 300,000 Windows PCs in 150 countries worldwide were affected.

◆Will the 2017 Internet Crisis Recur? = With the end of technical support for 'Windows 7' just one day away, concerns about another large-scale cyberattack are rising, and the government is busy with last-minute countermeasures. This is because more than half of the domestic Windows PCs still using Windows 7 are used by administrative agencies. The government, which has entered an emergency response system, plans to replace most Windows 7 PCs used in administrative agencies with Windows 10 within the day.

On the 13th, a government official said, "Most administrative agency PCs will be replaced with Windows 10 by today," adding, "Related agencies are closely monitoring the situation, keeping in mind the possibility of cyberattacks due to the end of technical support in private companies and others." The government is concerned that while the end of technical support itself does not cause system problems, cyberattacks exploiting this gap may occur.

A significant number of domestic PCs still operate on Windows 7 as their OS. According to StatCounter, as of December last year, 21.8% of domestic Windows PCs were Windows 7 PCs. That means one out of five Windows PCs is Windows 7. Among approximately 5 million Windows 7 PCs in the country, more than 60% are used by administrative agencies. Even if the PC issues in administrative agencies are resolved, nearly 40% of PCs remain exposed to vulnerability to cyberattacks.

◆"Upgrade Windows or Switch to Another OS" = Accordingly, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety is operating the 'Public Institution Cybersecurity Comprehensive Situation Room.' The situation room is responsible for identifying the status of cyber threats to the government and local governments and directing responses when threat situations arise. Through a cooperative system with the National Security Office and the National Intelligence Service, it plans to respond to cyber threats from North Korea as well. Professor Seung-joo Kim of Korea University's Graduate School of Information Security explained, "Cyberattacks targeting the Windows OS itself on vulnerable Windows PCs without security updates are difficult to block with antivirus software alone," adding, "Windows 7 PCs with ended technical support can become targets of hackers worldwide, including North Korea."

The Ministry of Science and ICT has also established and operates a comprehensive situation room at the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) to respond to cyber threats in the private sector. The ministry plans to closely monitor cyberattacks exploiting new vulnerabilities such as malware after the end of Windows 7 technical support and, in cooperation with antivirus companies, focus all efforts on preventing damage spread by developing and distributing customized dedicated antivirus software when malware appears.

The security industry suggests measures to prevent cyberattack damage on Windows 7, such as ▲upgrading to Windows 10 or ▲switching to another OS. They argue that antivirus software alone has limitations in blocking hacking threats without MS technical support. A KISA official advised, "Once technical support for Windows 7 ends, users should upgrade to the latest OS, Windows 10, or switch to another company's OS."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.