Trustwave SpiderLabs Uncovers Ov3r_Stealer Malware Spread via Phishing and Facebook Advertising. Learn More

Trustwave SpiderLabs Uncovers Ov3r_Stealer Malware Spread via Phishing and Facebook Advertising. Learn More

Services
Capture
Managed Detection & Response

Eliminate active threats with 24/7 threat detection, investigation, and response.

twi-managed-portal-color
Co-Managed SOC (SIEM)

Maximize your SIEM investment, stop alert fatigue, and enhance your team with hybrid security operations support.

twi-briefcase-color-svg
Advisory & Diagnostics

Advance your cybersecurity program and get expert guidance where you need it most.

tw-laptop-data
Penetration Testing

Test your physical locations and IT infrastructure to shore up weaknesses before exploitation.

twi-database-color-svg
Database Security

Prevent unauthorized access and exceed compliance requirements.

twi-email-color-svg
Email Security

Stop email threats others miss and secure your organization against the #1 ransomware attack vector.

tw-officer
Digital Forensics & Incident Response

Prepare for the inevitable with 24/7 global breach response in-region and available on-site.

tw-network
Firewall & Technology Management

Mitigate risk of a cyberattack with 24/7 incident and health monitoring and the latest threat intelligence.

Solutions
BY TOPIC
Microsoft Exchange Server Attacks
Stay protected against emerging threats
Rapidly Secure New Environments
Security for rapid response situations
Securing the Cloud
Safely navigate and stay protected
Securing the IoT Landscape
Test, monitor and secure network objects
Why Trustwave
About Us
Awards and Accolades
Trustwave SpiderLabs Team
Trustwave Fusion Security Operations Platform
Trustwave Security Colony
Partners
Technology Alliance Partners
Key alliances who align and support our ecosystem of security offerings
Trustwave PartnerOne Program
Join forces with Trustwave to protect against the most advance cybersecurity threats

Did You Forget to Migrate Off Windows Server 2003?

Eighteen percent of businesses are still running Windows Sever 2003, the server operating system for which Microsoft ended support one year ago last week, according to a new survey. And more than half are still operating at least one instance of the antiquated platform.

The further removed we are from end-of-life, the more vulnerable your business becomes to attacks that take advantage of outdated servers no longer receiving security updates (and the applications and software that run on them). With Windows Server 2016 on the horizon - and Windows Server 2012 now well broken in - there is no time like the present to upgrade.

Not updating from WS2003 is like the guy who jumps off a building on the way down says, "so far so good". #ThisIsNotGoingToEndWell

— jsnover (@jsnover) March 2, 2015

Information security typically boils down to a company's appetite and management of risk. One of the key considerations to establishing a risk profile is to understand your vulnerability status.

But if you're willing to bite the bullet and accept the risk posed by running unsupported servers - or if you remain paralyzed by the cost and complexity of transitioning to a newer version - you should ensure you are taking the precautions below. 

 

Security Testing

This will not only help with the inventory and identification of Server 2003 systems, but as vulnerabilities are discovered and go unpatched, it can enumerate them so you can set up specific external protections to help that "virtual patching" plan.

 

Network Security

Anti-malware gateways can filter exploits before they even reach your servers. By blocking an exploit with a gateway device like a web application firewall or a web or email security gateway, you're not as dependent on the physical patches that Server 2003 will be missing.

 

Threat Monitoring

Network monitoring is also an important security step. By not upgrading Server 2003, your organization will be taking on more risk with every vulnerability that goes unpatched. Monitoring your network for anomalous or strange traffic with the help of a SIEM solution can be a crucial tool for identifying and containing a breach.

Latest Trustwave Blogs

Trustwave Named a Representative Vendor in 2024 Gartner® Market Guide for Co-Managed Security Monitoring Services

Trustwave has been named a Representative Vendor in Gartner just released the 2024 Market Guide for Co-Managed Security Monitoring Services. Gartner estimates that there are more than 500 vendors who...

Read More

Navigating Security Risks and Innovations in the Hospitality Industry

As technology has become available, the hospitality industry has focused on making the most out of innovations such as contactless services and eco-friendly practices.

Read More

Frost & Sullivan: Trustwave MDR Growth Will Exceed Industry Average

The security analyst firm Frost & Sullivan positioned Trustwave as a leader and top innovator in its research on the MDR market landscape, noting its innovative, industry-leading cloud-native Fusion...

Read More