Virtually everyone has stopped using Windows XP. The problem is that ATMs do not

Most mortals have one of the latest versions of Windows, Macos, Android or iOS on our PCs, laptops or mobiles installed and it seems inconceivable to use obsolete operating systems. Well, we are using them directly to indirectly constantly, because there are various critical systems that continue using old Windows versions.

Anchored in the past. In BBC They have recovered a striking debate: how we continue to depend on old operating systems for certain critical systems. The problem not only affects companies, but also to end users who are forced to use those old systems not for hobby, but by obligation.

ATMs. One of the classic examples is that of ATMs, many of which are still based on obsolete operating systems. We know that in 2014 89% of ATMs in Europe They were based on Windows XPand there were some even using Windows NT. The latter was released in 1993, more than 30 years ago. Elvis Monteiro, expert in these systems, explained the cause:

“The problem to update these machines lies in the high cost associated with hardware compatibility, the approval of regulators and the need to rewrite the software owner of the ATMs.”

Security problems. The situation has undoubtedly improving and today the ATMs are usually governed by Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSCwhich has guaranteed security updates seven more years. However, there are a good number of Windows 7 Embedded systems and previous versions such as those mentioned, and that supposes great danger in the field of security: Vulnerabilities discovered in these obsolete systems may end up making them victims of sophisticated attacks.

Windows 95 trains. Various control systems of Trains in Sweden work with Windows XP —That was launched in 2001 – but there are also some that depend totally on Windows 95. Inherited systems (“Legacy”) here represent another clear example of how the dependence of these systems makes it very difficult to update them to adapt to the new times. We usually complain about Renfe, but Deutsche Bahn, his analogue in Germany, published a job offer looking for a systems administrator With experience in Windows 3.11 and MS-DOS. There is nothing. And the same thing happens with some San Francisco trains: If a flop is not inserted every morningThey do not work. Japan You know a little about that too.

Airports love the old Windows versions. The dependence of these ancient systems is actually seen everywhere and in all types of infrastructure. There are messages on social networks that show examples of the use of Windows XP on the screens of various airports and in the terminals of their Boarding doorsbut also somewhat more recent systems such as Windows 7. But there were even more spectacular cases: in 2015 it was discovered how the French Decor system for aerial drivers It was based on Windows 3.1.

Public hospitals and organizations. The problem also affects critical public infrastructure such as The hospitals. A decade ago, I still used 8 -inch and computers floppos from 70s To manage your nuclear weapons.

Spain is also affected. In Spain we saw how in 2014, when the official Windows XP, several public administrations ended They faced the problem What to do with your systems. The same or more serious is the fact that Internet Explorer has stopped receiving support and public administration continue depending on its operation In some procedures.

And companies. Not only does it happen in these public systems, but also in private companies that are anchored by old Windows versions to continue using certain applications or peripherals. John Watts, who has a Professional printing pressIt depends on Windows 2000 to control two gigantic printers with Lightjet technology.

We better not update. Psychiatrist Eric Zabriskie reached his consultation 15 always before because his computer took 15 minutes to start. That is another problem of many companies: they do not apply updates due to lack of resources or time, and that makes obsolete systems use, with all the risks that this entails. In the case of Zabriskie, he works in the Department of Veterans Affairs. This organism, indicate in BBC, makes use of a system called Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) that is based on ms-dos.

That happens to be so versatile. That this almost always happens with Windows – also occurs With Linux systems– It has easy explanation: Microsoft has always been the clear alternative in all types of public companies and organizations, especially for its ability to adapt to all types of hardware systems.

A problem with a difficult solution. The problem is that the support for that hardware is not maintained indefinitely: each new version of Windows usually means saying goodbye to old standards, protocols or devices, and that makes those who depend on those hardware elements cannot be updated if they want to continue taking advantage of them. The cost of doing so is normally very high, and in doubt, the answer is clear: if you work, do not touch it.

Image | BBVA

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