04/06/2021
By Michael Cipriano

In January 2020, Microsoft discontinued the support for the Windows 7 Operating System. This resulted in the end of regular cyber-security patching from Microsoft. As a result, these systems have been easy targets for malicious cyber criminals who routinely scan our network.

Over the past 12 months, Information Technology has been identifying the computers running Windows 7. These devices are often secondary, non-critical PC’s. Some are running older versions of application software. IT has upgraded to Windows 10, replaced, or retired many of these systems. We must now remove the remaining Windows 7 devices from the UMass Lowell campus network.

I recognize the challenge this presents. In some cases, these computers control instruments involved in research or are running older software not compliant with Windows 10. These systems will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. However, on June 1, 2021, all Windows 7 devices will be removed from our network so they cannot be reachable via the internet.

If you have a Windows 7 device and require assistance to minimize the security risk to the campus, please contact our Chief Information Security Officer, Jim Packard, at james_packard@uml.edu.