N🟁N

Windows 10 still powers millions of business PCs with support set to end in just four months

The article from TechRadar, titled "Millions of Windows 10 business devices haven't been updated to Windows 11, says survey - here's what you should do to secure yours," delves into the concerning issue of outdated operating systems in business environments and provides guidance on how to secure these systems. The article is based on a survey conducted by Lansweeper, a company specializing in IT asset management, which revealed that a significant number of business devices are still running Windows 10, despite the availability of Windows 11.

The survey found that out of the 33 million devices analyzed, 78% were still running Windows 10, while only 22% had been upgraded to Windows 11. This statistic is alarming because Windows 10 is nearing the end of its support lifecycle, with Microsoft planning to end support for the operating system in October 2025. Once support ends, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, leaving devices vulnerable to cyber threats.

The article emphasizes the importance of upgrading to Windows 11 to ensure that business devices remain secure. Windows 11 offers several security enhancements over its predecessor, including improved hardware-based security features, better protection against malware, and enhanced data encryption. These features are crucial for businesses that handle sensitive data and need to protect against increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks.

However, the article acknowledges that upgrading to Windows 11 may not be feasible for all businesses. Some devices may not meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, which include a 64-bit processor with at least 1 GHz clock speed, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage. Additionally, businesses may face challenges related to software compatibility, as some applications may not be optimized for Windows 11.

For businesses that cannot upgrade to Windows 11, the article provides several recommendations to secure their Windows 10 devices. One of the most important steps is to ensure that Windows 10 is kept up to date with the latest security patches. Microsoft regularly releases security updates for Windows 10, and businesses should have a process in place to install these updates promptly.

Another recommendation is to use a reputable antivirus solution. While Windows 10 comes with Windows Defender, which provides basic protection against malware, businesses may benefit from using a more advanced antivirus program that offers additional features such as real-time protection, web filtering, and ransomware protection.

The article also suggests implementing strong password policies and enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. Weak passwords are a common entry point for cyber attackers, and MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide additional verification, such as a code sent to their mobile device, when logging in.

In addition to these measures, businesses should consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt internet traffic and protect against man-in-the-middle attacks. A VPN can be particularly useful for employees who work remotely or access company resources from public Wi-Fi networks.

The article also highlights the importance of regular backups. In the event of a cyber attack, such as ransomware, having up-to-date backups can help businesses recover their data and minimize downtime. Backups should be stored securely, preferably off-site or in the cloud, to prevent them from being compromised in the event of a breach.

Another key recommendation is to educate employees about cybersecurity best practices. Human error is a leading cause of security incidents, and businesses can reduce their risk by providing regular training on topics such as identifying phishing emails, using strong passwords, and safely handling sensitive data.

The article also touches on the importance of monitoring and incident response. Businesses should have tools in place to monitor their networks for suspicious activity and should have a plan for responding to security incidents. This plan should include steps for containing the incident, investigating the cause, and recovering affected systems.

For businesses that are able to upgrade to Windows 11, the article provides guidance on how to do so securely. It recommends backing up all important data before starting the upgrade process and ensuring that all software and drivers are compatible with Windows 11. Businesses should also test the upgrade on a small number of devices before rolling it out to the entire organization.

Once the upgrade is complete, businesses should take advantage of the security features offered by Windows 11. This includes enabling features such as BitLocker for data encryption, Windows Hello for biometric authentication, and Microsoft Defender Antivirus for malware protection.

The article concludes by emphasizing that securing business devices is an ongoing process that requires regular attention and updates. Whether running Windows 10 or Windows 11, businesses must stay vigilant against cyber threats and take proactive steps to protect their data and systems.

In summary, the TechRadar article highlights the concerning number of business devices still running Windows 10 and provides a comprehensive guide on how to secure these devices. It stresses the importance of upgrading to Windows 11 where possible and offers a range of recommendations for businesses that cannot upgrade, including keeping Windows 10 up to date, using antivirus software, implementing strong password policies, and educating employees about cybersecurity. The article also provides guidance on how to upgrade to Windows 11 securely and take advantage of its enhanced security features. Ultimately, the article serves as a reminder that securing business devices is an ongoing process that requires a multi-faceted approach and a commitment to staying ahead of evolving cyber threats.

Read the Full TechRadar Article at:
[ https://www.techradar.com/pro/millions-of-windows-10-business-devices-havent-been-updated-to-windows-11-says-survey-heres-what-you-should-do-to-secure-yours ]