Windows XP End of Service —What it Means for Industrial Applications, Part 1 of 2
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 andi 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.
Practical Options for Industrial Applications
Rather than write about this topic, I made a video. This video explains:
| The end of service (EOS) for Windows XP | 0:00 |
| What it means for industrial applications | 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 | 5:34 |
| Summary | 6:25 |
| Belden’s advice | 7:12 |
| How to contact Belden | 7:37 |
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
*Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
About the Author
Belden utilizes a range of subject matter experts to help source our quality content. These subject matter experts include current and former employees, 3rd party contributors, and industry specialists. If you have questions on the content from this page, please reach out to Robert.Willingham@belden.com to get in touch with the relevant team member.