The very top reason to be on the latest Windows Operating System is security. But there is a lot more to be gained as well. Here’s why you should be on Windows 10 if you’re not already…

We’ve been posting a lot about ransomware and cyber-crime lately. Specifically the two recent cases with #WannaCry and #NotPetya. And one of the biggest takeaways we’ve gained is that outdated operating systems are what is being targeted and should be upgraded asap.

We have a bias for being non-alarmist, but these events have concerned us a great deal as your trusted IT partner, and we want to alert you to new and critical risks you are facing. WannaCry and NotPetya targeted specific technologies in Windows XP, 7, and 8. This technology is no longer used in Windows 10. Windows 7 is now the oldest and least secure Windows Operating System. It was released on July 22, 2009. Mainstream support for it is already over as of January of 2015 and it’s currently in extended support. As a point of comparison, XP was released in 2001 and ended in 2014. Windows 7 is very nearly the same age as XP, and there was a security crisis when Microsoft eventually cut off support for XP.

So given all of this, it is highly recommended you get all of your outdated workstations up to date and/or replaced asap. But it’s not just about cyber threats, there are other aspects to Windows 10 that make it a vital current operating system:

  • Not only is it much more secure, but it also gets all the new engineering updates much more quickly than 7. So your system works better, and updates are easier to manage.
  • Fast, fast, fast – it is 50% faster than Windows 7 for common tasks like restarting, opening applications, and browsing the web.
  • It comes with the Microsoft Edge web browser standard.
    • According to Forbes (and researchers NSS labs), Edge is the top browser for security – “[The] best browser available when it comes to protecting Windows 10 users from phishing attempts and social engineering attacks”.
    • Edge is lightweight and much faster than anything else on the market, due to being totally integrated with the operating system.
    • It has an available touch interface and Cortana support. Essentially Microsoft’s way of competing with Apple and Google’s touch and voice command technologies, and they are surprisingly competitive.
  • It comes with an improved Secure Boot (UEFI)
    • Microsoft’s Secure Boot was introduced with Windows 8 and has been improved with the release of Windows 10. It has replaced traditional BIOS and helps secure against Malware attacks and infection. And it improves computer wake up and login time.
  • Windows 10 will save you space. Not only is the OS a smaller installation size, but it also incorporates a more efficient compression algorithm, meaning your files will be smaller so you’ll be able to store more and your hard drive won’t slow down as fast.

Also, looking ahead: Microsoft has let it be known that in order for your network environment to be compatible with Azure (their new cloud-based server platform) all of your workstations have to be on Windows 10. Food for thought.

Our plan at Upward is to let you know how many Windows 7 machines you have in your company and work out a plan to upgrade or replace them. But please don’t hesitate to let us know if you want to get the upgrade process going RIGHT NOW! We believe that time is of the essence, as the exploitable risk factors are globally understood.