First Day of Windows 7 Service Termination: "No Confusion So Far" (Comprehensive)

End of Technical Support with Final Security Patch Distribution at Dawn
Experts Say "Limitations in Responding to Cyber Attacks with Antivirus Alone"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jin-gyu Lee] On the first day of Microsoft (MS) ending technical support for 'Windows 7,' no significant confusion has yet occurred among Windows 7 PC users. However, experts advise upgrading to Windows 10 or switching to another operating system (OS) because Windows 7 PCs are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks such as malware. The government is also maintaining vigilance to prepare for any possible incidents.

According to the IT industry on the 15th, MS ended technical support for Windows 7 after distributing the final security patch at 2 a.m. that day. Users can continue to use Windows 7 PCs, but they will no longer receive automatic security updates even if new security vulnerabilities or errors arise.

Although technical support for Windows 7 has ended, the last security patch was distributed the previous day, so the likelihood of immediate cyberattacks is low. Internet communities have also responded that there are no particular problems with Windows 7 PCs yet. On internet forums, it is easy to find posts stating, "Even if you use a Windows 7 PC, as long as you keep your antivirus updated, there is no major problem." No cyber threats such as hacking related to the end of Windows 7 support have been detected. The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) have not reported any special cyber threats so far. A KISA official said, "It is still business as usual, and no hacking reports related to the end of Windows 7 support have been received."

However, experts point out that if hackers attack Windows 7 PCs without security updates using new programs in the future, these PCs could be easily compromised. There is also speculation that Windows 7 PCs will become prime targets for hackers worldwide as new security vulnerabilities emerge. Additionally, relying solely on antivirus software without technical support has limitations in preventing hacking threats. Professor Seung-joo Kim of Korea University’s Graduate School of Information Security explained, "Cyberattacks targeting the Windows OS itself on Windows PCs with unpatched vulnerabilities are difficult to block with antivirus software alone," adding, "Windows 7 PCs without technical support could become targets for hackers worldwide, including North Korea."

In fact, the 'WannaCry' ransomware attack in 2017 was a large-scale cyberattack targeting Windows PCs. It was a planned attack targeting 'Windows XP' PCs that no longer received update support. When infected by this ransomware, computer files were encrypted, and a message demanding approximately $300 worth of Bitcoin as ransom appeared on the screen. Within 15 days of the cyberattack, about 300,000 Windows PCs in 150 countries worldwide were affected.

The security industry recommends upgrading to Windows 10 or switching to another OS to prevent cyberattack damage on Windows 7. A KISA official said, "Once technical support for Windows 7 ends, security updates for new vulnerabilities and errors will no longer be provided, making it easy to be exposed to cyberattacks," adding, "Users should upgrade to the latest OS, Windows 10, or switch to another vendor’s OS."

MS has urged users to upgrade to Windows 10 since 2018. The free upgrade service offered to Windows 7 users ended in July 2016. Therefore, Windows 7 users must pay about 200,000 KRW to purchase the Windows 10 OS. However, elementary, middle, and high school students can upgrade to Windows 10 for free after additional verification procedures.

Another option is to switch to a different OS altogether. Alternative OS options include Google's 'Chrome' and domestically developed 'Gooroom,' 'Tmax,' and 'Harmonica.' Tmax OS is running a special promotion offering free technical support and free use for corporate customers using Windows 7 who switch to Tmax OS by June. Apple’s Mac OS is also an option, but using it requires replacing the computer with a Mac PC. However, switching OS may cause compatibility issues with programs used on existing Windows PCs.

Meanwhile, the government is closely monitoring the possibility of cyberattacks due to the end of Windows 7 technical support. The Ministry of Science and ICT has established and operates a comprehensive situation room at KISA to respond to cyber threats in the private sector. The ministry plans to focus on monitoring cyberattacks exploiting new vulnerabilities after the end of Windows 7 support and, in case of malware outbreaks, collaborate with antivirus companies to develop and distribute customized dedicated vaccines to prevent damage spread. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety also operates a 'Public Institution Cybersecurity Comprehensive Situation Room.' This situation room monitors cyber threat status for the government and local governments and directs responses when threats occur. Through cooperation with the National Security Office and the National Intelligence Service, it plans to respond to cyber threats from North Korea as well.

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