Excerpt from Cyber Security News Article, Published on Jan 7, 2025.
Microsoft has announced the end of support for its widely used operating system, Windows 10, on October 14, 2025. This decision has sparked concern among IT experts, particularly in Germany, where an estimated 32 million devices—roughly 65% of all household computers—still rely on Windows 10. The impending deadline highlights significant cybersecurity risks for users who fail to upgrade. Thorsten Urbanski, an IT security expert from ESET, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “It’s five minutes to twelve to avoid a security fiasco for 2025,” he warned. Urbanski strongly advises users to transition to Windows 11 or adopt alternative operating systems if their devices are incompatible. Failure to do so could expose systems to a wave of cyberattacks, including data breaches, ransomware threats, and malware infections.
Businesses face heightened risks, with Urbanski stressing the importance of early planning. Operating outdated systems, he said, is “grossly negligent” and opens organizations to data loss, espionage, and financial damage. Insurance companies may also deny coverage for cybersecurity incidents if outdated systems are to blame. The scale of the risk is even more severe than the discontinuation of Windows 7 in early 2020. By late 2019, only 20% of users were still on Windows 7, with most having transitioned to Windows 10. In contrast, Windows 10 remains dominant today, with only 33% of devices in Germany upgraded to Windows 11.
The reliance on Windows 10 extends across the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland), affecting over 35 million devices. While Microsoft offers extended paid support for Windows 10, the costs double annually, making it an expensive and unsustainable option. Experts urge both individuals and organizations to take proactive steps to upgrade their systems well before the October 2025 deadline. Delaying action could leave millions vulnerable to escalating cybersecurity threats and non-compliance with modern security standards.
To delve deeper into this topic, please read the full article Cyber Security News.
