On 14 October 2025 Microsoft will officially end free support for Windows 10. This apparently routine lifecycle milestone has morphed into a global security event. According to market‑share data reported by Forbes, Windows 10 still powers about 41 % of all personal computers—roughly 600 million machines. Up to 400 million of these devices cannot upgrade to Windows 11 because of hardware restrictions.

Over the years, I’ve conducted dozens of security audits for organizations ranging from small businesses to federal contractors and critical infrastructure providers. While the industries, locations, and missions vary, the findings often don’t.

The growing reliance on digital platforms has allowed cybercriminals to refine their tactics, making cybersecurity awareness and prevention