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If you’re running Windows XP and turn off the firewall, in 2 hours, your PC will be overrun by malware
Attackers are still interested in creating threats for Windows XP
3 min. read
Updated onJune 28, 2024
updated onJune 28, 2024
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Have you ever wondered why sticking to the latest Windows versions, like Windows 10 or 11, is hammered into our heads by tech experts? Well, a recent video sheds light on this advice in a way that’s both fascinating and a bit terrifying. It’s all about security, a topic that, let’s be honest, can sometimes feel a bit abstract until you see it in action.
The video in question, created by Eric Parker, takes us on a journey back in time to Windows XP. It was the go-to operating system for many, and let’s face it, some of us might still get nostalgic about it. But here’s the kicker: Parker decided to run Windows XP without any of the protective measures we take for granted today, like Firewall and Defender. The result? Within minutes, the system was under attack.
Hackers are still coding malware for Windows XP?
Now, you might be thinking, But I wouldn’t disable my firewall! And you’re right, most of us wouldn’t. But the experiment highlights a critical point: the evolution of Windows security. The malware that swiftly took over the Windows XP system in the experiment included trojans, adware, and backdoor malware. It’s a stark reminder of how far we’ve come in terms of security features and why they’re so essential.
After connecting Windows XP to the internet and disabling the firewall, it took only ten minutes for the first malware to install itself on the system. After two hours, Malwarebytes detected 6 threats and it was unable to remove all and Parker declared a victory for the malware. DNS changers, trojans, worms were competing for the data stored on the PC.
What’s even more interesting is that attackers still create malware for Windows XP, which is an obsolete system for years. As products and services meet with demand, there must still be such antiquated systems worth stealing from.
And if we look at theStatsCounter’s latest report, we have our quantitative answer: 0.33% of the Windows running PCs still have XP installed. Not even 1%? That’s nothing. Well, not really. According to Microsoft’s latest data, there are 1.4 billion devices running the Windows OS, which means that about 5.5 million PCs are running Windows XP, quite a lot pool to steal from, right?
Parker also mentions in the clip that he tried the same experiment on Windows 7 and nothing happen. That’s not an encouragement to start using the old OS, but to acknowledge the evolution from system’s evolution.
We’ve learned about this story fromNeowin. If you know about similar experiments, we would like to learn about them in the comments below.
More about the topics:Cybersecurity,malware,windows XP
Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, Claudiu is focused on whatever comes new from Microsoft.
His abrupt interest in computers started when he saw the first Home Computer as a kid. However, his passion for Windows and everything related became obvious when he became a sys admin in a computer science high school.
With 14 years of experience in writing about everything there is to know about science and technology, Claudiu also likes rock music, chilling in the garden, and Star Wars. May the force be with you, always!
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Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, with 14 years of experience in writing on everything there is to know about science, technology, and Microsoft
