We’ve been talking about the upcoming end of support for Windows 10 in October of 2025. And while home systems without security support are a problem, the biggest threat to your security are businesses and government agencies that don’t have their operating systems up-to-date.
After the end of support for Windows XP, many agencies, companies, hospitals, and even police departments were hit with malware and ransomware attacks due to inadequately protected servers.
A few years ago, I notice that my doctor’s office was still running XP, so I called the larger medical group they were a part of and asked what kind of arrangements were being made to update their system. When I finally talked to their IT guy, he got downright hostile, demanded to know who I was, and hung up on me. Can’t say I was surprised to find out they had a breach a few years later.
So, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor’s office, bank, insurance company, or anyone who deals with your personal information what operating system they are using and if they’ve made arrangements for an upgrade to Windows 11.
It’s surprising and disheartening how often places like hospitals and financial institutions ignore basic safety.