September 26, 2025
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The critical role of cybersecurity amid today’s rising threats and how to prepare for it now
In the fast-paced world of IT management, staying ahead of threats isn’t just about reacting to new vulnerabilities. It’s about avoiding the traps set by outdated technology itself. When an operating system reaches end of service, it’s no longer just a matter of missing out on shiny new features. It becomes a critical liability for your entire infrastructure. For technical decision makers responsible for device fleets and endpoint health, understanding the risks of unsupported systems isn’t optional. It’s mission-critical.
Because every moment tied to outdated tech is another dollar lost. In fact, McKinsey reports that the right modernization programs can accelerate IT timelines by 40–50% while cutting technology debt-related costs by 40%.
Why unsupported systems are a high-risk liability
Operating systems and device software depend on regular updates to patch security flaws, improve compatibility, and maintain operational efficiency. Once these updates stop, every device running on that unsupported platform becomes an open door to attackers.
And it’s not a matter of if, but when.
Without continued patching, endpoints become vulnerable to known exploits that hackers can weaponize instantly. This exposure puts endpoint security at serious risk, the very foundation of protecting your data, users, and business continuity.
Microsoft’s 2024 Digital Defense Report shows that over 90% of successful ransomware attacks exploit unmanaged endpoints, with unsupported OS versions creating attack vectors that bypass standard EDR and XDR solutions. In addition, outdated devices tend to fail compatibility checks with modern security tools, leading to gaps in protection and a heavier burden on IT teams trying to monitor and defend their environments.
For laptops and other devices, the implications stretch far beyond malware or ransomware. Identity protection becomes a major concern as attackers exploit weaknesses to steal credentials, gain unauthorized access, and move laterally across your network. In an era where remote IT security is paramount, any device that can’t be reliably secured jeopardizes the entire ecosystem.
The hidden costs of clinging to aging platforms
Beyond the glaring security risks, unsupported systems drain your operational resources in less obvious ways. Compatibility failures mean more frequent system crashes and software conflicts, slowing down workflows and creating headaches for end users, who then flood IT with support requests.
This inefficiency doesn’t just frustrate employees. It hits your bottom line. Time spent firefighting legacy issues diverts your team from strategic initiatives and innovation. In effect, running aging platforms becomes a silent tax on productivity and agility.
And that interest compounds daily.
McKinsey estimates technical debt consumes 20-40% of technology budgets, dragging teams into maintenance work and away from innovation.
For cybersecurity for small business, where resources are often tight, these challenges are even more acute. Small and mid-sized companies typically operate with lean IT staffs, and the risk of a breach can have outsized consequences, from compliance fines to reputational damage. The stakes are high, and every device running unsupported software is a weak link.
What really changes after end of service?
When an operating system reaches its end of service milestone, it stops receiving critical security patches and updates. This includes fixes for newly discovered vulnerabilities, driver updates, and often compatibility support for new hardware or software. Your devices remain operational but become increasingly exposed and inefficient.
Even more importantly, many security solutions rely on integration with current OS features to offer robust protection. As support ends, endpoint security tools may lose effectiveness or cease updates, creating blind spots for attackers to exploit.
From an identity protection perspective, outdated systems may lack modern authentication protocols or fail to support multi-factor authentication enhancements, increasing the risk of credential compromise. Combined with the rise of remote work, maintaining secure laptops and mobile devices becomes even more complex without a supported foundation.
Staying protected in an evolving threat landscape
Facing the reality of end of service doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s how technical decision makers can approach the challenge pragmatically:
The business value of proactive endpoint security
For TDMs, the goal isn’t just avoiding disaster. It’s enabling resilient, efficient operations. Investing time and resources into addressing end of service risks protects business continuity, reduces downtime, safeguards your company’s reputation, and prevents costly revenue losses.
By framing unsupported systems as active liabilities rather than mere legacy concerns, you can secure executive buy-in and justify budgets focused on endpoint security and infrastructure resiliency. It’s about turning risk into opportunity, transforming vulnerability management into a strategic advantage.
Is your IT security strategy built to withstand evolving risks?
Taking decisive steps today to manage the risks of unsupported systems safeguards your entire device fleet, protects identity, and reinforces your infrastructure. In today’s evolving threat landscape, staying one step ahead means choosing security that scales with your business instead of reacting after the fact.
Windows 11 Pro devices powered by Intel vPro® keep your data protected with security that’s built in, not bolted on.
Defend your organization against cyberthreats with proactive, hardware-backed protection and credential safeguards like passkeys and passwordless biometric sign-in with Windows Hello for Business. 1 Efficiently enforce security policies across all your endpoints, including PCs, apps, and new AI tools. Windows 11 Pro devices powered by Intel vPro® offer hardware-based protection from chip to cloud, enhanced privacy settings, and granular IT controls, aligned with Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative and Intel’s industry-leading security assurance practices.
Copilot+ PCs 2 take protection even further with a powerful architecture for executing AI workloads locally. This enables proactive, context-aware AI experiences while keeping your data secure. These devices support deep learning, AI acceleration, and natural language processing, helping safeguard sensitive business information while improving performance and battery life. 3 With Copilot+ PCs, you get the most advanced Windows security for data and privacy, including Secured-core PC protection and Microsoft Pluton. 4
