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As of 8 April 2014, Microsoft will no longer provide support for the Windows XP operating system, which means that users of computers with that operating system will no longer receive new security updates or technical support from Microsoft. Any new vulnerabilities discovered in Windows XP after 8 April 2014 will not be addressed by new security updates from Microsoft. Microsoft has stated that computers using XP after 8 April 2014 should not be considered protected and have urged users to migrate to a current operating system such as Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, with Windows 7 being favoured now in the business space.

While your practice will still be able to use computers with Windows XP as their operating system post 8 April 2014, support and updates for XP will no longer be provided by Microsoft. Therefore, a layer of protection against hacking threats and malware infection has been taken away and will not be replaced.

Further practical matters to be considered by users of XP are that developers of applications (for example, case-management software) that use Microsoft as their platform of choice will no longer be required to focus on compatibility with Windows XP for any new upgrades. In addition, hardware manufacturers will no longer be obliged to provide XP-compatible drivers for new printers, for example.

As well as computers directly connected to your practice, consideration must also be given to any outside computers (personal laptops) that might have confidential or personal data that is exchanged with your network.

Solicitors are required to take all reasonable actions to safeguard client data. As a matter of urgency, firms should seek guidance from their IT providers to:

• Identify XP machines directly or indirectly connected to their network,
• Analyse the current safety measures in place to address the threats posed to their network post 8 April 2014, and
• Identify whether the XP computers identified require to be upgraded or replaced.