From 2019, Microsoft will stop technically supporting SQL Server and Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2. Microsoft is also waiving monthly security updates for them.
Remember that you should regularly update your systems' security to reduce the chances of your company being exposed to cyberattacks. Their result is the theft of customer data, thus losing credibility and trust of customers.
The last security update date for SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 is July 9, 2019 and for Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 is January 14, 2020.
What threats may your company face?
1) Ransomware (Petya, WannaCry) – blocking access to data and managing the ransom. Using such software, strangers will obtain your code.
2) Hardware vulnerabilities (Meltdown, Spectre) - theft of sensitive data by hackers. Such actions may result in disclosure of important company information.
3) GDPR, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), FISMA (Federal Information Security Management Act), FIPS (Government Information Processing Standard), FINRA (Regulatory Authority financial industry), MFA , Sarbanes-Oxley.
If we miss a security update, applications and data will be vulnerable to cyberattacks and identity theft. Some regulations, including GDPR, require functions that will not be available in older systems. The company may receive a financial penalty and lose customer trust.
What will you gain by updating your systems?
- You will meet the strict requirements imposed by new regulations, e.g. GDPR.
- Possibility of systems operation
- Ability to work in Azure , on-premises or in a hybrid environment
- Protection against data theft
- Secure environment with built-in authentication and authorization security.
- Easier management and monitoring of personal data
If you haven't upgraded your system by this date, you can protect your resources while migrating to Azure VMs with free Extended Support updates or purchase updates for on-premises servers
Get free additional security updates on Azure
Migrate to Azure : You have the option to migrate to Azure VMs without changes to your application code and receive 3 years of free security updates for free. Another option is to move SQL Server to Azure SQL Database Managed Instance, which is a free version that does not require patches
Upgrade to current versions: You can keep your on-premises environment and upgrade to current versions of Windows Server and SQL Server, or purchase a 3-year security update extension to protect your servers while you work on the migration.
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