Windows XP security - privacy obligations

The discontinuation of support for the Windows XP operating system from 8 April this year is the subject of a warning from the American Dental Association (AmDA) to their members who use that system.

The AmDA notes that "The antivirus software for Windows XP called Microsoft Security Essentials will continue to receive regular updates until July 14, 2015".

US dental practices could be in breach of health privacy legislation if their IT security is not kept up to date. 

Similar problems could arise for Australian dental practices using the XP operating system, especially in the light of new Privacy legislation  (which takes effect from 12 March 2014) and data breach notification guidelines issued by the Office of the Australian Information Commission.  Affected members should talk to their IT consultants now about the implications of this development.