Staying Secure With Your Operating System Could be Expensive Next Year, Have You Planned for This?

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its official End of Life (EOL) on 14th October 2025. After this date, there will be no more security updates or support for the operating system and upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t the answer in a lot of cases.

The End of Life for Windows 10 means that Microsoft will no longer provide updates, security patches, or technical support for this operating system. This poses a significant risk for businesses still using Windows 10 past the deadline. Without ongoing updates, any vulnerabilities in the system will be left unpatched, leaving you exposed to cyberattacks, malware, and potential data breaches. The issue isn’t just about staying current with technology; it’s about safeguarding your business’s digital infrastructure.

Windows 11 can’t just be upgraded to in a lot of cases and needs hardware replacements. This means spending on your infrastructure to stay compliant, which means budget planning. The Windows 10 End of Life is important so your business understands the costs involved with this cycle.

1. Use of unauthorised cloud services like Dropbox / Google Drive / iCloud to store and share data because it’s “more convenient” than the approved platforms.
2. Subscriptions to unauthorised SaaS applications lead to data silos and silent security risks.
3. A team collaborates on an unapproved project management tool to meet deadlines faster, uploading sensitive company data into the tool.
4. Using personal email accounts to send sensitive data which can lead to data leaks.
5. Employees use third-party messaging apps to communicate business data outside official channels.
6. Remote workers access company systems using their own unapproved hardware, downloading data to their own device.
7. A manager purchases a subscription to a cloud-based app without informing IT.

1. Sensitive company data might be leaked or stolen due to insecure apps.
2. A breach of data protection laws could result in hefty fines for non-compliance.
3. A security vulnerability in shadow IT tools could allow cybercriminals to gain access.
4. Malware could spread through unofficial software, infecting the network.
5. IT support could struggle to manage or troubleshoot unsupported tools.
6. Operational disruptions may occur if critical data is stored in an inaccessible third-party service.
7. Reputational damage could arise if a security breach is made public.

Upgrading from Windows 10 isn't just a tech decision, it’s a risk management one. At Optimus, we help businesses plan for this transition in a way that’s secure, compliant, and cost-effective. Whether you’re unsure what devices are still running Windows 10, need guidance on hardware replacements, or want to avoid security blind spots, our team can map out the best approach for your business.

We’ll help you:

• Identify risks and devices that need attention

• Build a clear, phased upgrade plan

• Secure your environment against shadow IT

• Communicate the change clearly to your team

Let’s take the guesswork out of your Windows 10 end-of-life strategy.

Talk to our team about your needs