Is Microsoft Windows 7 HIPAA Compliant?
Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system has been the most widely used operating systems in the business and consumer market around the world, in the 10 years since its release in July of 2009. Many users of Windows 7 don’t know, however, that Microsoft has announced that they will be ending their extended support of Windows 7 operating systems on January 14th, 2020. After this date, Microsoft will no longer release updates and important security patches for Windows 7 operating systems. This means that the use of computers with the end of life Windows 7 operating system will not be in compliance with HIPAA.
To ensure a smooth transition, we have put together an action plan to help guide you:
- Make list of all PCs in your office and their operating system. You may already have this as your HIPAA workstation inventory.
- Identify operating system (Start>Control Panel>Administrative Tools>System Information)
- Identify what applications are typically used on the PC
- Make plans and budget to upgrade/replace Windows 7 PCs
- Contact any vendors to assist with re-installing the programs on your new PC.
The operating systems that preceded Windows 7 were Windows XP, support was ended for that OS in April of 2014 and Windows Vista which was ended in April of 2017. Anyone currently using Windows XP or Windows Vista operating systems should upgrade them immediately.
In addition to Windows 7, Microsoft will be ending support for Windows 2008 R2 server operating systems on the same day. Offices should begin replacing windows 7 PCs and Windows 2008 servers as soon as possible, if you haven’t already. Contact us to see how our in-house hardware team can help!
