IT Wrapped 2023
Welcome to “IT Wrapped 2023,” where we delve into the transformative landscape of Information Technology that shaped the past year. From significant updates in Microsoft 365 and the end-of-life announcements for key Microsoft products, to the rise of ChatGPT and major advancements in AI, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the pivotal developments in technology. We’ll also explore the major cyber attacks that defined 2023 and their implications on global digital security. Join us as we unwrap the year’s most impactful IT trends and their influence on businesses and consumers alike.
In 2023, significant IT developments include advancements in quantum computing, making it more practical for real-world applications. Cloud computing has continued to evolve, with a focus on edge computing for faster data processing. Artificial intelligence has seen notable progress, particularly in natural language processing and predictive analytics. Cybersecurity has also been a major focus, with new strategies and technologies emerging to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Additionally, the integration of AI and IoT has led to smarter, more interconnected devices, driving innovation in various sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, and urban development.
Office 365
In 2023, Microsoft Office 365 (now referred to as Microsoft 365) underwent several significant changes and updates. Here are some of the key changes:
Microsoft 365 App Launch: In January 2023, the Office mobile app was renamed and transformed into the Microsoft 365 app. This change was part of an effort to consolidate various Microsoft services under a single umbrella for ease of access and use.
End of Support for Windows 8.1: Microsoft 365 stopped supporting Windows 8.1 in January 2023. While the apps continue to function on Windows 8.1, they no longer receive security patches or bug fixes, and new installations on Windows 8.1 are not permitted.
Changes to OneDrive Attachments: From February 2023, the storage space used for Outlook.com email attachments began to count against OneDrive quotas. This change primarily affects users without a Microsoft 365 plan, as those with the plan have a substantial amount of OneDrive storage.
Extra OneDrive Storage for Microsoft 365 Customers: In February 2023, Microsoft 365 customers received at least an extra 50GB of OneDrive storage, albeit temporarily for one year, to compensate for the space used by email attachments.
Wolfram Data Types and Excel Money Template: Certain features in Excel, such as Wolfram Data Types, stopped functioning in June 2023. Additionally, the Excel Money Template ceased importing new transactions from the same date.
New Features in Microsoft 365 App: In December 2023, new features were introduced in the Microsoft 365 app, including personalized app recommendations based on user roles and activities, and the ability to directly share and delete files within the app.
Other Updates: Microsoft 365 saw several other updates in 2023, such as the rollout of AI-powered tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot, changes to Outlook web (like the option to disable roaming signatures), and policy updates related to Exchange Online and SharePoint.
These changes reflect Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to enhance user experience, security, and productivity across its suite of applications.
At iTVerse, our staff stays on the cutting edge by remaining up-to-date with ongoing changes and developments in Microsoft 365. All our team members are Microsoft Certified, and we actively engage with the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) to stay informed about upcoming changes, roadmaps, and new products. This commitment ensures that we are well-equipped to assist our customers effectively and helps you make the most of your Microsoft 365 solution.
Microsoft End of Life Products
In 2023, several Microsoft products reached their end of life (EOL), meaning they no longer receive security updates, non-security updates, technical support, or online technical content updates. Here’s a summary of key products that reached EOL:
Office 2013: Support for Microsoft Office 2013, including all its applications like Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc., ended on April 11, 2023. After this date, these products no longer receive updates or support.
Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2: Support for Windows Server 2012, including the R2 product, ended on October 10, 2023. This also applies to Hyper-V Server 2012 and Windows Storage Server 2012 and their R2 product variants.
Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac: This version of Office reached the end of support on October 10, 2023.
Windows 10 and 11 Versions: Various versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11, including Windows 10 Home and Pro Version 21H2 and Windows 11 Home and Pro Version 21H2, reached end of servicing in 2023.
Windows Embedded Versions: Windows Embedded 8 Standard and Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry reached EOL in July 2023.
Internet Explorer 7: The browser, released with Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, reached its end-of-support phase on October 10, 2023.
Other Azure and Microsoft Products: Various Azure services and Microsoft products, including Azure Batch TLS, Azure Virtual Machines, and Azure API Management legacy metrics, were retired throughout 2023.
It’s important for users and administrators of these products to consider upgrading to newer versions or alternative solutions to ensure security and support and for customers who are Cyber Essentials, it’s a requirement to ensure legacy hardware & software risks are mitigated as much as possible.
Cyber Attacks
In 2023, several significant cyber events and attacks took place:
FAA Incident: The US grounded all flights in January due to issues with a critical system operated by the Federal Aviation Administration. Although initially suspected to be a cyberattack, there was no evidence to confirm this.
Cloud Exploitation: Criminal groups exploited cloud computing resources, often through free trial offers, to mine cryptocurrencies in an activity known as ‘free jacking’.
LastPass Breach: The password manager LastPass experienced a breach where encrypted customer data was accessed, raising concerns about the security of cloud-stored sensitive information.
Royal Mail Ransomware Attack: The Royal Mail in the UK was targeted by a ransomware attack using LockBit Ransomware-as-a-Service, which affected international deliveries.
Hive Ransomware Gang Shutdown: The Hive ransomware gang was infiltrated and shut down by an international law enforcement effort, although no arrests were made.
MOVEit Software Exploitation: The MOVEit file transfer software was exploited in a supply chain attack by the Cl0p ransomware group.
The cyber attacks of 2023 highlight the ever-evolving landscape of digital threats. This is where iTVerse can play a pivotal role. With our expertise in advanced cybersecurity solutions, iTVerse offers comprehensive protection against such threats, ensuring that your business remains secure in an increasingly vulnerable digital world. By partnering with iTVerse, organisations can fortify their defenses, safeguard their data, and maintain the trust of their customers and stakeholders in this challenging cyber environment
Chat GPT & AI
ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, began as a project to create a conversational language model. Its initial versions, based on the GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) architecture, showcased the potential for natural language understanding and generation. Over time, ChatGPT evolved, integrating more advanced AI techniques and learning from vast amounts of text data. By 2023, it had significantly advanced in its capabilities, offering more nuanced and context-aware responses, better understanding user queries, and providing more accurate and relevant information. This evolution marked a substantial leap in the field of conversational AI.
As of 2023, artificial intelligence (AI) has seen considerable advancements in various domains. Significant progress has been made in natural language processing (NLP), allowing AI to understand and generate human language more effectively. AI-driven automation has become more prevalent in industries, enhancing efficiency and decision-making processes. In healthcare, AI has made strides in diagnostics and personalized medicine. Machine learning algorithms have become more sophisticated, enabling better predictive analytics and data interpretation. AI in robotics has also improved, leading to more dexterous and intelligent robots. Additionally, AI ethics and governance have gained prominence, addressing concerns about privacy, bias, and accountability.
As a cutting edge MSP, iTVerse leverage AI to monitor our customers IT Landscapes, and ensure maximum uptime.
2023 Wrapped
As we wrap up our review of IT in 2023, it’s clear that the year has been a landmark in technological evolution. From major strides in AI and quantum computing to critical cybersecurity challenges, the landscape of IT is ever-changing.
As we look ahead to 2024, we anticipate further advancements in these areas, with emerging technologies continuing to reshape our digital experience. The role of services like iTVerse will be crucial in navigating these changes, ensuring that businesses stay ahead of the curve in adopting and securing against the latest technological innovations.
