Outdated systems mean open doors for hackers. Discover Windows 10 security risks and Windows 11 upgrade benefits, and make the transition before it’s too late.
Are Your Business Systems Truly Ready to Weather Windows 10 Security Risks after October 14, 2025?
In less than eight months, Microsoft retires its once “best-ever operating system,” much to the dismay of Windows 10 loyalists.
After the end of Windows 10 support, security updates and patches will stop, leaving businesses that don’t upgrade exposed to cyber threats.
So much so, they might as well hang a neon sign at the entrance of their physical premises acknowledging, “Hackers are welcome.”
And let’s be honest: many of these businesses might not live to see 2026.
Not sure you want to join these soon-to-be dinosaurs on their journey to Valhalla?
Then an early Windows 11 upgrade is necessary (more details below).
What Exactly Are Windows 10 Security Risks?
Remember WannaCry?
It was all over the news in 2017.
Hackers found an unpatched Windows vulnerability, “Eternal Blue,” and used sophisticated malware to search and attack vulnerable computers on the internet. That means you didn’t even have to click a phishing email to get infected.
Businesses globally woke up to find computers infected with ransomware, files locked, and a demand for a $300 payment in Bitcoin within three days to regain access. Failure to pay would trigger the ransom price to double on day 4, and after day 7, the files would be deleted forever.
Things were bad. Really BAD.
Automotive giant Renault had to halt production at many sites in Romania, Slovenia, and France. Similarly, many companies asked employees to shut down computers to stop the virus from spreading, resulting in countless labor hours lost.
UK’s National Health Service (NHS) was among the most brutal hit, with 61 institutions affected. About 19,000 appointments were canceled, leaving patients without planned surgeries and health tests. And many ambulances were re-routed, leaving patients in critical condition behind.
The reason for NHS’s disproportionate woes? Ninety percent of its hospitals’ computers were running on Windows XP, which was outdated. Unlike Windows 7 and 10, which received prompt patches from Microsoft as they were officially in support, Windows XP was left at the mercy of WannaCry.
So, what’s the key takeaway here? Windows 10’s lack of patches and updates after October 14 will create a gaping hole in your security. And when that happens, data breaches, financial losses, and even compliance violations won’t be too far behind.
Also: Have You Backed Up Your Data?
Does a Windows 11 Upgrade Guarantee Better Security and Efficiency?
An unequivocal YES.
First, Windows 11 will receive regular security patches and updates. So that’s one less thing to worry about.
On top of this, the new operating system (OS) packs some serious security enhancements to keep nefarious actors at bay.
Built-in Hardware-Based Security
In the 2021 Security Signals study, Microsoft’s security team found that over 80% of businesses had experienced firmware attacks in the previous two years. Bad actors are not just going after credentials stored online anymore — they’re targeting the physical hardware on a device to gain unauthorized access to information.
Accordingly, Microsoft has raised the Windows 11 base hardware security threshold, reducing incidents by 58%.
A trusted platform module (TPM) version 2.0 requirement on PCs is one of the key changes. This chip generates a cryptographic key—a unique code similar to authenticator apps—to verify all is well every time you boot your computer. If it detects that a hacker stole your device and is trying to bypass your encrypted drive, the PC won’t start, thus keeping your data safe.
Virtualization-based security and hypervisor-protected code integrity are other hardware security features enabled by default on Windows 11 PCs.
Zero Trust-Ready Architecture
The traditional approach to security has been securing network perimeters. Here, you build the walls as high as possible and try to stop bad actors at the gates. This no longer works because employees increasingly work from home and the office and because the hybrid cloud is now clearly the pre-eminent platform for enterprise infrastructure.
Windows 11’s zero trust architecture assumes nothing behind your corporate firewall is safe. It assumes breach and authenticates, authorizes, and encrypts each request before granting access. This makes it harder for hackers to move laterally across your network if they get in.
Compliance perk: zero trust checks boxes for General Data Protection Regulation, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, and other regulations. So, no more sweaty audits.
Read More: Zero Trust And 5 Other Security Strategies You Need
Enhanced Encryption and Multi-Factor Authentication
Windows 11 provides enhanced encryption with TPM 2.0 and BitLocker, ensuring every file, folder, and drive on your PC is unreadable by hackers. Similarly, the Microsoft Defender SmartScreen helps block malicious websites and downloads before they reach your team. Multi-factor authentication offers an additional security layer to fortify defenses.
Windows 11 isn’t only about better security, though. It’s also a productivity powerhouse.
Now, with a more streamlined interface, Microsoft Teams integration, snap layouts, virtual desktops, and faster updates, your team can avoid unnecessary downtime, perform tasks more efficiently, and better collaborate on different projects with colleagues.
What Is the Actual Cost of Hitting “Snooze” on Your Upgrade?
If you’re still on the fence about whether to move to Windows 11, consider the hidden costs of staying on Windows 10:
- Increased Internal I.T. Support Needs: With Microsoft no longer providing support, you’ll be left troubleshooting technical issues on your own. Wouldn’t that time and effort be better spent on critical business initiatives?
- Higher Risk of Cyberattacks and Downtime: A lack of patches will increase vulnerabilities, creating an open invitation to hackers. Can you afford to get breached or experience downtime?
- Compatibility Issues: With developers shifting focus to Windows 11, you won’t be able to leverage newer, more efficient applications and technologies. Have you considered how that would affect your competitiveness?
Investing in your Windows OS upgrade may seem expensive up front, but it’s really not compared to the potential financial losses of staying outdated. Plus, why delay the inevitable?
Preparing for a Seamless Transition to Windows 11
Upgrading to Windows 11 doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right strategy, you can minimize disruptions, maximize productivity, and ensure your business stays secure.
Here’s how to make the transition smooth and stress-free:
- Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to audit current systems for hardware and software compatibility.
- Determine whether and how many new devices to acquire.
- When it’s time to upgrade, roll out Windows 11 in stages for minimum disruptions.
- Engage your team early and provide comprehensive training so they confidently navigate Windows 11 from day one.
- Don’t go it alone—partner with a trusted MSP to handle the complexities of the migration process.
Learn more: Navigating Windows 10 End of Support
Upgrade and Secure Your Business With Attentus
On October 15, Windows 10 becomes a liability, not just an outdated tool. You risk unpatched vulnerabilities, crippling cyberattacks like WannaCry, and mounting costs from downtime and compliance fines. An early Windows 11 upgrade is crucial to avoid these negative consequences.
If navigating this transition alone seems too daunting, Attentus can be the answer. “Be the Answer” is one of our core values, and we stand by it—helping businesses move forward with confidence. From auditing your systems to handling every step of your Windows 11 migration, we will partner with you to eliminate disruptions, secure your data, and ensure your team thrives on modern technology. Plus, with our fixed pricing, you’ll never have to worry about hidden costs—just clear, predictable I.T. support you can trust.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Contact Attentus today for a seamless and stress-free Windows 11 upgrade.
