SUBJECT:

IT Security Alert - Ending Support for Windows XP

Microsoft will end its support for the Windows XP operating system On April 8, 2014. This means that Microsoft will stop releasing security updates and patches for Windows XP. Without security updates and patches, Windows XP operating system is vulnerable to viruses, spyware, and other malicious cyber-attacks. As a result, our personal and business information stored on or operated from Windows XP computers could be exposed or stolen.

To comply with the UCSD Network Security Policy, we request that computers using Windows XP be either removed from UCSD network or upgraded to a supported Windows operating system by April 8, 2014. Please contact your departmental IT support staff for assistance in upgrading or replacing your Windows XP operating system. In cases where Windows XP operating system is absolutely needed for legacy research or business operations, please request a UCSD Minimum Computer Security Standards exception and we will assist you to find an acceptable IT security solution.

For information about the UCSD Network Security Policy, please visit: http://adminrecords.ucsd.edu/PPM/docs/135-3.HTML.

For information about the UCSD Minimum Computer Security Standards, please visit: http://adminrecords.ucsd.edu/PPM/docs/135-3%20Exhibit%20B.pdf

For general IT security information or assistance, please contact your departmental IT support staff or the ACT Help Desk at acthelp@ucsd.edu or (858) 534-1853.

If you have specific questions about Windows XP security issues, please contact our IT security team at security@ucsd.edu.

Min Yao Interim Chief Information Security & Privacy Officer