How the Windows XP End of Support will Impact Industrial Applications - Part 1
Author Mike Miclot
Nobody likes the job of replacing a good team member when they retire. Yet, that is the job the manufacturing industry is faced with as a trusted component of the industrial application ecosystem steps down from active duty. That component is the Windows XP operating system (OS), a workhorse of a product that is pervasive in factories, energy facilities and many critical infrastructure systems around the world.
Windows XP-based computers, machines and devices are installed EVERYWHERE in industry. They include the white box PCs running important manufacturing, process or production applications on the plant floor, in control rooms and in engineering offices. They also include ruggedized PCs running PLC, DCS and other device configuration/monitoring applications in your processes.
Furthermore, they include a lightweight version of Windows XP that is in embedded components in thousands of devices that control many factory automation and process control operations.
Today, I am going to look at what the end of service (EOS) for the Windows XP OS means for those responsible for keeping industrial processes up and running.
A Microsoft web page notifies enterprise customers that support for Windows XP had ended. Source: Microsoft.com
Practical Options for Industrial Applications
Rather than write about this subject, I made a video. This video explains:
| Topic | Time in Video |
| The end of service (EOS) for Windows | 0:00 |
| 0:33 | |
| The prevalence of Windows XP in industrial facilities | 0:47 |
| Performing a thorough Windows XP audit | 1:58 |
| The risks to industrial systems from malware introductions | 2:47 |
| The "domino effect" that occurs when an upgrade to an operating system is done | 3:51 |
| An alternative: the industrial firewall solution | 5:04 |
| The benefit of using industrial firewalls to protect your systems: migrate on your schedule | 5:34 |
| Summary | 6:25 |
| Belden’s advice | 7:12 |
| How to contact Belden | 7:37 |
Mike Miclot explains what the end of service (EOS) for the Windows XP OS means for those responsible for keeping industrial processes up and running.
Industrial Firewalls Are an Easy Way to Protect Your Applications
Unfortunately, the EOS for Windows XP means we need to say good-bye to a trusted friend. It is not going to be easy or fast to replace this friend. While your Windows XP upgrade planning and execution is underway, you need to take immediate steps to secure your operations.
I recommend you consider installing industrial firewalls as an immediate security solution that:
- Can be deployed into live networks without disrupting production
- Are simple to install and configure
- Are designed for industrial development from the ground up, including being appropriately ruggedized and certified
- Can be implemented without the domino effect of having to upgrade and test many applications, drivers, computers and equipment
- Is cost effective
What are your thoughts on the best way to deal with the EOS for Windows XP? I look forward to hearing from you.
Related Content to Download
Related Links
- Microsoft Webpage: "Windows XP support has ended"
- Webpage: Security Capabilities
- Blog: SCADA Security Basics: Why Industrial Networks are Different than IT Networks
- Blog: ICS Security: How Your IT Dept. Can Help
- Blog: Industrial Networking: Easy Security Risk Assessment
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