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Welcome to Perimeter Perspective, the podcast where we explore the strategies, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of cybersecurity and IT management. Hosted by the experts at Next Perimeter, this show dives into zero trust principles, cloud-first solutions, and the evolving role of technology in modern businesses. Whether you’re an IT leader, business owner, or tech enthusiast, Perimeter Perspective offers actionable insights and engaging discussions to help you secure your digital landscape and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Welcome to Perimeter Perspective, The show where we explore the evolving world of cybersecurity, IT management, and the strategies that modern businesses need to stay secure and thrive in the digital age. I'm Michael Moore, your host for this episode and one of the many voices behind the insights and stories from NextPerimeter, a cloud first cybersecurity and IT services firm dedicated to protecting businesses and digital identities. Hey everyone, thanks for tuning in today. We're diving into a topic that's been quietly sneaking up on us. Windows 10 is reaching its end of life.
Michael Moore:Now, I know this may already be on your radar, but for many of you, it's probably just sitting in the background as one of those future problems that you'll get to later. Well, the future has arrived, but don't worry. This doesn't have to be a moment of panic. In fact, this transition presents an incredible opportunity to rethink your IT strategy and set yourself up for success in the years ahead. So let's break it down.
Michael Moore:I'm going to cover what end of life means for Windows 10, how you can use Lifecycle Management to make this transition easier, why you need to be choosing Windows Pro instead of Windows Home, and why this is the perfect time to modernize, not just your operating system, but your entire IT environment. Grab a coffee, get comfortable, and let's get into it. Let's start with the basics. What does end of life actually mean? Microsoft has officially set the date, 10/14/2025.
Michael Moore:On that day, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates or official support. I'll say it again for emphasis, 10/14/2025. Now, your devices won't suddenly stop working the next day, They'll still boot up. Your apps will still run and you'll be able to use them. But here's the catch.
Michael Moore:Without regular updates, those devices become ticking time bombs. Every vulnerability discovered after that date? Unpatched. And for businesses, that's a huge risk. Think about it.
Michael Moore:Cybercriminals thrive on targeting unsupported systems because they know vulnerabilities won't get fixed. Regulatory compliance becomes nearly impossible because outdated software often doesn't meet modern standards. And operational risks skyrocket. A single unpatched vulnerability could lead to ransomware or a breach costing your company money, time, and trust with your customers. So the clock is ticking.
Michael Moore:If you haven't already started planning for this transition, now is the time to figure out your next steps. Before we get too deep into lifecycle management and modernization, let's address a key decision you'll face when upgrading: choosing Windows Pro over Windows Home. It's tempting to go for Windows Home because it's cheaper. But here's the deal. Windows Home just isn't built for businesses.
Michael Moore:It's designed for personal use and it lacks the features you need to properly secure and manage your devices. With Windows Pro, you'll get tools that are absolutely critical for running a professional IT environment like BitLocker encryption. This is huge for protecting sensitive data, especially if your devices are lost or stolen. Group policy management. This lets you control settings and policies across all your devices, which is a lifesaver for consistency and security.
Michael Moore:Access to Azure Active Directory and IntraID integration. If you're modernizing, this is non negotiable. And don't worry, we'll talk more about the name discrepancy between Azure AD and IntraID later on in the podcast. Windows Home just doesn't give you these capabilities. So while it might save you a little money upfront, it'll cost you much more in terms of management headaches and security risks down the line.
Michael Moore:When you're planning your upgrades, make sure Windows Pro is part of the equation. Trust me. Your IT team and your budget will thank you. Now let's address a big concern, replacing your devices. For many businesses, the idea of swapping out every workstation at once sounds daunting.
Michael Moore:It's expensive, disruptive, and honestly overwhelming. But here's the thing. It doesn't have to be that way. This is where lifecycle management comes into play. And honestly, it's a game changer.
Michael Moore:Instead of waiting until every single device is outdated and scrambling to replace them, why not adopt a rolling replacement schedule? Here's how it works. Let's say your hardware typically lasts three to five years. Instead of doing everything at once, you replace a fraction of your devices, say one third, one fourth, or even one fifth every year. This approach aligns perfectly with the natural lifespan and amortization schedule of your devices.
Michael Moore:And here's why this method is so powerful, budget predictability. You can plan your IT spend consistently year over year avoiding big spikes that strain budgets. Always up to date devices. Your team always has access to relatively new, high performing, and secure devices. Reduced disruptions.
Michael Moore:Rolling replacements mean you don't have to pause operations to overhaul your entire inventory at once. Now let's zoom out for a second. Lifecycle management isn't just about keeping devices fresh. It's also a great chance to modernize your entire IT strategy. If you're still running on prem Active Directory, now's the time to think about moving to IntraID.
Michael Moore:And in case you're wondering, IntraID is the new name for Azure AD. Microsoft likes to rename things, but essentially the same platform with some extra features. Moving to enter ID brings your identity infrastructure into the cloud, and here's why that's a big deal. It's scalable. Your setup grows with your business.
Michael Moore:It's secure. Tools like Conditional Access and MFA give you an edge against modern threats. It's simpler. You can leave clunky old Active Directory group policies behind. Pair that with tools like Microsoft Intune and you're building an IT environment that's perfect for today's hybrid and remote work models.
Michael Moore:All right. Let's imagine what this could look like for your business. Let's say you're replacing one fourth of your devices each year. Those new devices arrive preconfigured with Intune. Your IT team hardly has to touch them.
Michael Moore:Zero touch deployment does all of the heavy lifting. The devices arrive, your employees log in, and boom, they're up and running. Policies, apps, and security settings are all in place from day one. Meanwhile, your identity infrastructure is powered by IntraID. That means built in tools like MFA, conditional access, and automated threat detection are always working in the background to keep your data secure.
Michael Moore:And the best part, this setup works anywhere, whether your team's in the office, at home, or traveling. They can log in and stay productive. As we approach the end of life for Windows 10, it's crucial to have a clear plan in place. Start by conducting a thorough inventory of your current devices and software. Identify which systems need to be upgraded by considering multiple factors such as age, slow performance, and problematic workstations.
Michael Moore:Prioritize these systems based on their criticality to your operations and the severity of their issues. Engage with your IT team or trusted IT partner to develop a detailed migration plan. This plan should include timelines where you set clear deadlines for each phase of the migration to ensure a smooth transition. Resource allegation. Determine the necessary resources, including budget, personnel, and tools to support the migration.
Michael Moore:Contingency measures. Prepare for potential challenges by having backup plans in place to address any issues that may arise during the migration. Additionally, consider implementing a train the trainer approach, identifying super users within an organization who can receive in-depth training on the new systems and tools. These super users can then train other employees, ensuring a smoother and more efficient transition. Developing a FAQ for common questions can also help address any concerns and provide quick solutions to common issues.
Michael Moore:By taking these steps, you can minimize disruptions while maximizing the benefits of modernizing your IT environment. To help you navigate this transition, we've created a concise Windows 10 replacement survival guide. This guide provides the essentials for upgrading your devices on time and positioning your business for enhanced security and modernization. You can download it from our website and the link will also be available in the podcast description. Thanks for tuning into this episode of Perimeter Perspective.
Michael Moore:If you found this useful and want to keep up with the latest in cybersecurity and IT, don't forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. For more resources, episode updates, and insights, visit our website at nextperimeter.com. Have a question or topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you. Reach out on social media or email us at perspectivenextperimeter dot com.
Michael Moore:Until next time, stay secure, stay informed, and remember, the perimeter isn't just a boundary, it's your foundation for growth. See you soon.