A Harpenden technology expert is warning businesses to be aware of an imminent security threat.

According to NetMarketShare, about 40 per cent of desktops and laptops are still using Windows 7 - despite it being unsupported by Microsoft after January 2020.

Other programmes also reaching their ‘end of life’ include Office 2010, Exchange 2010, Small Business Server 2011, and Windows Server 2008.

Without support for those systems, they will become vulnerable for hackers.

A Luton Road business which manage IT services, Total Group International (TGI), is warning local companies to get clued up.

TGI’s Nathan Stewart said: “Reaching end of life will make Windows 7 a huge target for hackers, as any weaknesses they discover won’t be fixed.

“A recent IT industry survey showed that 40 per cent of PCs are still running Windows 7. I’m concerned just how few local businesses are aware of this change, and that they need to take action now.”