Obsolete Windows Operating Systems Highly Susceptible to Internet Threats
A recent experiment highlighted the vulnerability of outdated Windows operating systems when connected to the internet. Mere minutes was all it took for a virtual machine running on XP to be transformed into a breeding ground for malicious software.
Alarming Findings from a YouTube Experiment
Renowned YouTuber, Eric Parker, executed a test using virtual machines running on Windows XP and Windows 2000. He connected them to the internet without any external defensive measures in place – no firewalls, no antivirus software. The aim was to ascertain how quickly these operating systems would contract internet-based viruses.
The outcome was both astounding and somewhat humbling. Within a few minutes, both systems harbored a myriad of viruses, Trojans, and other malicious software. Some automatic viruses created new accounts and installed malicious services, utterly compromising system security.
Aftermath of the Virus Attacks
Later, when antivirus software Malwarebytes was installed to the virus-ridden Windows XP, Parker discovered a minimum of 8 active viruses. However, real numbers could be substantially higher due to the limitation of the software’s free version.
The Windows 2000 system suffered even more. A few minutes of virus attacks caused the operating system to crash, leading to the dreaded ‘blue screen of death.’
According to Parker, this catastrophic vulnerability arises from the total lack of modern security mechanisms in outdated Windows systems. Unlike these, newer operating systems, starting from Windows 7, are more secure against unsolicited installation of various Trojans, even when the firewall is deactivated.
An Alarm for Users of Older Windows Versions
The experiment vividly illustrated the worst-case scenario for both operating systems, devoid of even the most basic security measures. Hackers can use traditional networking tools like the nmap scanner to freely upload and operate viruses and malicious software in a user’s system. This is possible after the tool notifies them about an older, and consequently, susceptible system.
Therefore, if for some reason, older Windows versions (XP or 2000) have to be used, experts emphatically recommend safeguarding with firewalls, antivirus software, and other security measures.
