In less than a year, January 14, 2020, four of Microsoft’s operating systems will be reaching their End of Life: Windows Server 2008 R2, Exchange 2010, Windows SBS 2011, and most notably, Windows 7. Meaning, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, customer service, or even technical support for those products. They will still be available to use, but that comes at a security risk.
Windows 10 has developed additional features to become safer and more efficient. Here are six reasons why businesses should update their system:
1. Safer Web Browsing
While using the Microsoft Edge browser, Windows Defender Application Guard will open administrator-defined untrusted websites in a virtual machine. By isolating those websites, if they turn out to be malicious, the computer is protected and the attacker cannot access any personal information.
2. Efficient Updates
Updates can be time-consuming and interfere with productivity. With the Windows 10 Unified Update Platform, it identifies the specific updates needed for the computer and downloads only those features. Users will experience reduced download sizes by approximately 35%, saving storage space on the PC and installation time.
3. Ransomware Prevention
Windows Defender has many tools to protect against threat attacks. In particular, users can approve which applications can access and change files saved in various folders, protecting documents and information from ransomware that could encrypt those files and hold them hostage. All applications are then assessed to determine if they are malicious or safe and a notification will appear if an application attempts to make a change to a protected folder.
4. Windows Information Protection
Protecting data, designating appropriate access, and assuring compliance are just a few challenges that come with managing enterprise data.Windows Information Protection (WIP) offers a variety of solutions for businesses by encrypting the file in a way that helps to prevent data leaks and maintains control of data. For example, if a file with highly sensitive information is sent to the wrong person, WIP can remove permissions even if the recipient is offline and has it stored locally or on removable media.
5. Biometric Security
Windows Hello is a native, multi-factor authentication feature that allows users to login without a traditional password. This built-in protection works via PIN numbers, fingerprint readers, and facial recognition cameras to deliver optimal security and convenience.
6. Secure Boot Process
One type of malware, rootkit, has the same rights as operating systems (OS) and loads before the OS, allowing it to hide malware and other applications. With Windows 10 Secure Boot, Trusted Boot, and Measured Boot Tools, they will verify that the OS is uncompromised at each reboot and ensure there are no hidden threats. If there is a breach in security, Windows 10 will deny any request to relinquish control of the device, look for a previous, reliable version of the boot process, or create a new boot loader.
Businesses can be slow to adopt new upgrades to their systems due to the expense and time required to implement them. Often, they are running a legacy system or software that depends on an older operating system, or they have out-of-date equipment that do not meet the system requirements for an upgrade. In addition to that, it takes time to train employees on the new system.
It’s important to implement a strategic plan that examines the company’s current infrastructure and identify what changes need to be made in order to make the process seamless. At Corsica Technologies, we can assist you every step of the way, from creating a transition schedule, to implementing solutions that maximizes your company’s resources. Contact us today to see how we can help you!
