Today Microsoft is discontinuing Windows XP, bringing an end to its support of the operating system and also leaving its current users vulnerable to a myriad of potential security threats.
The OS will now feature no online security nor technical support of any kind, therefore making it a prime target for cyber-thieves and hackers. New statistics released earlier this month revealed that Windows XP was installed on 18.8% of all desktops, making it the second most popular OS just behind Windows 7, and more popular than both Windows 8 and Windows 8.1.
Given that the OS is still being used by many major companies, the UK and Dutch governments have issued Microsoft with huge deals, in order for the software giant to continue to establish some form of customer support.
Microsoft has said that following the OS’s discontinuation today (April 8th) computer virus’ for those who continue to use XP will rise by an estimated 66%.
