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(WHTM) – Cyber security experts are warning Windows 10 users of an increased risk of malicious activity after support officially ended Tuesday.
Residents, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to take action following the end of Windows 10 support, according to the Cyber Security Association of Pennsylvania (PennCyber). Microsoft will no longer provide security patches, technical assistance, or feature updates for Windows 10 and older systems.
“It’s a big deal that Windows 10 is coming to its end of life, end of support. It’s been 10 years, and that’s the lifespan that Microsoft usually gives to operating systems,” Dan Ackerman, editor in chief of MicroCenter News, told Nexstar’s KTLA. “That means that going forward, bad actors will start to look for new vulnerabilities and try to exploit them. So if you’re not getting these security updates, your system is going to be more vulnerable.”
PennCyber said that the action could potentially leave millions of devices vulnerable to new and emerging cyber threats with the operating system essentially converting to “an unlocked door.”
“Cybercriminals know updates are no longer coming and will specifically target those systems,” said PennCyber Chairman Scott R. Davis. “Every day that passes without an upgrade increases the risk of compromise.”
PennCyber said anyone still running Windows 10 will be at risk of newly discovered vulnerabilities.
Davis added that Windows 10 has been such a reliable platform for a decade that it could be a liability not just for individual computer users, but for small and midsize organizations that depend on these systems to manage sensitive data or financial transactions.
PennCyber offered some advice to those still using Windows 10.
- Upgrade to Windows 11 — If your hardware supports it, upgrading to Windows 11 ensures continued protection and stability.
- Replace Older Devices — For machines that cannot run Windows 11, consider purchasing new systems that meet modern security standards.
- Enroll in Microsoft’s Extended Security Update (ESU) Program — Users unable to upgrade can enroll in Microsoft’s ESU program, which provides limited security patches until October 13, 2026.
- Isolate Outdated Systems — If Windows 10 devices must remain operational for legacy applications, remove them from the internet and internal networks (“air gapping”) to prevent exposure
“End-of-life systems should never be used to process payments, store client information, or access internal business networks,” Davis emphasized. “If you have to keep one running, treat it as a standalone system with no external connectivity.”
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