Windows 8.1 Technical Support Ends on the 10th... "You Must Use the Latest Operating System"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Su-yeon] The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) announced on the 8th that they will operate a 'Comprehensive Security Situation Room for the End of Windows 8.1 Technical Support' to prepare for emergencies such as cyber threats ahead of the end of technical support for the Windows 8.1 operating system on the 10th.

The Ministry of Science and ICT and KISA will focus on monitoring cyber threats exploiting new vulnerabilities that may arise after the end of technical support. If malware appears, they plan to respond promptly by cooperating with related organizations and antivirus companies to develop and distribute customized antivirus solutions to prevent damage to the public.

When Microsoft (MS) ends technical support, Windows updates that provide fixes for errors and new security vulnerabilities in Windows 8.1 will be discontinued. Therefore, users continuing to use Windows 8.1 may be exposed to security breaches exploiting vulnerabilities, so user caution is required.

Windows 8.1 users are advised to upgrade their current operating system to the latest Windows products (such as Windows 11) or switch to other operating systems like Linux and continuously apply security updates to prevent damage such as security breaches.

Detailed information on using the latest browsers and security updates following the end of Windows 8.1 technical support can be found in the security notices on the KISA BohoNara & KrCERT/CC websites.

Kim Jeong-sam, Director of Information Security Network Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "Although domestic Windows 8.1 usage is estimated to be about 1%, we will maintain an emergency response system to prevent and respond to any possible security incidents." He added, "Please replace your PC with the latest operating system and check for security updates to ensure it is not exposed to hacking threats."