RBI issued notice to banks concerning discontinuation of Windows XP

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued notice to banks on 19 March 2014 to take measures to counter the threat expected to arise from discontinuation of Windows XP from 8 April 2014.
• Microsoft the maker of the Windows XP operating system will be withdrawing support for the operating system from 8 April 2014. 
• Microsoft introduced Windows XP in October 2001.
• The withdrawal of Windows XP means that no updates and patches for bugs will be issued by the Microsoft. 
• As a result, the banking system of India largely running on Windows XP may become vulnerable to viruses and other cyber attacks.
• However, Indian Banks Association (IBA) has said that banks are well prepared to tackle the threat arising from the discontinuation of Windows XP. 
• Thus, neither branches nor cash vending machines will be shut down once Microsoft stops support to the system from April 8.