A few days ago, I received a message from Microsoft regarding the end of support for its Window 7 software. The company announced that it ended support on January 14.
The implication of this is that there will no longer be security updates for the software so the vulnerability its users are exposed to is accentuated. For a crypto user, such scenario could be disastrous if they do not migrate to another OS as soon as possible.
Safer Options for Migration
At this point, it is a good idea to upgrade to Window 10 if you must continue the operating system from Microsoft. Otherwise, there are other safer options such as Ubuntu, Linux and Lubuntu.
Experienced users are of the opinion that owners of digital assets are better off learning how to use OS such as Ubuntu and Linux since these have better privacy and security. The reason is that most malware such as clipper board are designed to infect Windows devices. Since such attacks target crypto users, it is not a bad idea to migrate to these more secure OS.
Lubuntu is the OS of choice by many crypto users who are security conscious mainly because it is lightweight than the Ububtu.
In a forum post seen by Cryptoinfowatch, a user Notblox 1 wrote:
“Don’t think that with simple updating to Windows 10 you will be much safer.
Windows 10 is full of spy holes and it is reporting everything you do to Microsoft and its partners. Installing wallets is better on Linux OS partition or USB”
Hackers Target Windows OS
This raises security questions that every user of digital currencies should take seriously. It is important though to understand that what makes Windows vulnerable is that it is the primary target of hackers. What makes an OS safe is not so much of which is being used as how it is used.
“Any crypto wallet and that includes even hardware wallets can be compromised in some way, even on the safest operating system. Install Linux, download Electrum, verify the signature and then save seed to your email or any other inappropriate way and you are likely to be hacked. In most cases, it’s not the problem of what you use, but the way you use it.”
Another shortfall of Microsoft OS is that it is close source thereby making it difficult for independent and random security audit.
