Overview
Every Windows product has a life cycle and that life cycle ends when it no longer receives security updates or fixes, software updates, and/or technical support. On Jan. 14, 2020 Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows Server 2008. Campus policy requires that devices connected to the network run software for which security patches are made available and installed in a timely fashion. After support ends, Windows Server 2008 will no longer be in compliance with campus policy.
Options
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Upgrade to a supported operating system. Upgrades to Windows Server version 2016, 2019, or Azure are available to departments under our Microsoft licensing agreement. To request Microsoft software, please submit a Microsoft License Requests form.
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Remove or retire the system
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Apply for a security exception. Exceptions will only be approved if there is a valid reason why the system cannot be upgraded and only allowed in conjunction with purchasing an extended support contract. Submit a security exception as soon as possible, to allow time to implement mitigations needed before End of Life. More information on exception requests here.
Important Dates:
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Jul. 8, 2019 - The Information Security Office (ISO) will reach out to PL2 data systems administrators to request remediation plans
- Nov. 1, 2019 - Preferred date to submit a security exception request to meet mitigations needed by Jan. 14, 2020 deadline
- Jan. 15, 2020 - ISO will send "reminder" tickets for all systems running Windows Server 2008 connected to the campus network (without an exception on file) requesting the devices be upgraded or removed from the network
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Feb. 1, 2020 - ISO will begin blocking all unsupported Windows Server 2008 devices seen on the campus network
Additional Resources: