Canara Bank, one of India’s largest and oldest state-owned banks, has completely migrated from Windows XP, moving around 33,000 PCs to modern versions of Windows operating system. Realizing the potential security vulnerabilities and monetary hazards of staying on Windows XP after the end of support, the bank switched to modern Windows before support ended on April 8.
Though security was the biggest reason for the switch over, other reasons that contributed to the decision included unavailability of drivers for external devices like printers, scanners and biometric machines if they remained on XP.
Until a month ago about 35% of PCs in BFSI sector were on Windows XP, a huge number considering this sector is amongst the most vulnerable. Realizing the seriousness of the issue, industry associations representing the BFSI sector like Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and even the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had sent out advisories recommending immediate migration from Windows XP highlighting various security threats.
“We want to ensure smooth and streamlined customer experience without any stoppage in day-to-day banking operations. In addition, by migrating our entire base of around 33,000 PCs to modern Windows, we have overcome potential challenges of compatibility with modern hardware, software and applications. The upgrade will also allow our employees for transition to modern applications leveraging latest work processes and mobility,” said RK Dubey, Chairman, Canara Bank.
“Running unsupported technology especially in the BFSI sector carries huge risk. Canara Bank is amongst the progressive PSU banks in India that have taken the decision to move off Windows XP. They understand how debilitating and damaging the security breaches can be after support ends. We urge all businesses to complete their migration immediately, if they haven’t already,” said Karan Bajwa, Managing Director, Microsoft India.
Migration from Windows XP to a modern Windows OS provides better security, support, features, enhanced user experience, on-the-go data protection, better desktop auditing and quick-and-easy file recovery. In addition to the newer version of Windows, Canara Bank also uses various other Microsoft products like Exchange 2010 (email), SCCM 2007 R2 (patch management system) for desktop monitoring and management and Office 2013.