ISSA-LA Alerts Public to Potential Cybercrime When Microsoft Stops Support of Windows XP in 2014

Online, September 23, 2013 (Newswire.com) - The Los Angeles Chapter of the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA-LA) is launching an awareness campaign to alert the public to an increased exposure to cybercrime when Microsoft stops supporting Windows XP on April 8, 2014. According to Net Applications, 38% of computers still use Windows XP.

"Every computer running Windows XP needs to have its operating system replaced," said ISSA-LA President Stan Stahl, PhD. "When Microsoft stops supporting Windows XP, XP users will no longer receive security updates needed to correct the security vulnerabilities inherent in complex software."

According to Dr. Stahl, cybercriminals are saving up Windows XP's vulnerabilities that they have discovered so Microsoft won't know to fix them. They will begin to exploit these vulnerabilities after April 8, knowing that Microsoft will never patch the underlying security hole in XP.

The impact will be felt by both business and consumers. Businesses still running Windows XP will be at increased risk of being a victim of cybercrime, such as online bank fraud or of having their trade secrets stolen. Consumers will be at greater risk of identity theft and of having their computers connected into a zombie botnet, private computers infected with malicious software and controlled as a group without the owners' knowledge

Dr. Stahl said, "Since keeping software patched and updated is one of the most important security defenses, there will be little users can do to block these attacks. It will be like trying to box with one hand tied behind your back. After April 8, cybercriminals will be able break into Windows XP computers with near-impunity."

ISSA-LA will use its resources to inform and educate businesses and the general public to the dangers of unprotected computers and to upgrade to more secure and supported operating systems before April 8, 2014. Informing the community is part of ISSA-LA's philosophy that "It takes the village to secure the village SM."

With the recent increase in cybercrime and the need for increased cyber security management, Dr. Stahl is being quoted regularly in local and national media outlets.

Dr. Stahl has been President of ISSA-LA for five years and is the architect of the Chapter's Community Outreach Program. He is a pioneer in the field of information security, entering the field in 1980. He began his career securing teleconferencing at the White House, databases inside Cheyenne Mountain and the communications network controlling our nuclear weapons arsenal. Dr. Stahl earned his Ph.D. in mathematics from The University of Michigan and spent nearly 15 years teaching university mathematics.

About the LA Chapter of the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA-LA):
ISSA-LA is the premier catalyst and information source in Los Angeles for improving the practice of information security. The Chapter provides educational programs for information security and IT professionals. The Chapter conducts outreach programs to businesses, financial institutions, nonprofits, governmental agencies, and consumers. ISSA-LA is the founding Chapter of the Information Systems Security Association, an international not-for-profit association of information security professionals and practitioners. For more information please visit http://www.issala.org.