Microsoft’s announcement to discontinue support for Windows 10, its flagship operating system, signals a significant juncture for businesses that have long relied on this platform. As the clock ticks down to October 14, 2025, organizations face crucial decisions regarding the security and operational implications of continuing to use outdated systems.
Although Microsoft provides Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for a maximum of three years, the financial burden can be considerable, with subscriptions costing approximately 7 per device. Beyond the monetary aspect, the transition to ESUs or upgrading to Windows 11 demands substantial time and effort, particularly for IT teams with limited resources.
For those unable or unwilling to pursue ESUs or migrate to Windows 11, understanding the security risks associated with legacy systems is essential. Here’s a closer look at the potential vulnerabilities and how IT departments can prepare for the impending changes.
The Hidden Dangers of Legacy Systems
While legacy systems may appear to be a practical solution, especially when they continue to function, the reality is often more complex. Unsupported operating systems and applications can attract cyber threats for several reasons:
- Vulnerabilities accumulate over time — Older systems tend to gather vulnerabilities even after they are no longer officially supported. For instance, Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 have collectively amassed over 1,300 Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs). Without timely patches, these systems become prime targets for exploitation.
- Unsupported systems expand the attack surface — Outdated applications, drivers, and unpatched firmware heighten security risks. Vulnerabilities in custom business applications or obsolete software can be exploited by attackers for phishing schemes or malware distribution.
- Cultural resistance to change is alive and well — The prevalent mindset of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” complicates the removal of legacy systems. This attitude often overlooks the growing risks associated with maintaining older technologies.
- Exploits can (and will) be recycled — Exploits for older vulnerabilities may resurface years after their initial discovery. For example, a 2004 CVE related to the Apache Web server was recently leveraged in crypto-mining attacks, making legacy systems particularly vulnerable to such recycled threats.
Recent research indicates that among older Windows operating systems, Windows 10 is not only the most targeted but also faces vulnerabilities classified as ‘high’ severity. In comparison, Windows 2008, which lost support on January 14, 2020, ranks second in terms of being targeted for both high and critical vulnerabilities.
The findings underscore the persistent risks that unsupported and overlooked operating systems face, which far outweigh any minimal benefits of inaction.
Preparing for Windows 10 EOL
If your organization’s devices do not meet the Windows 11 compatibility requirements, or if an upgrade is not feasible, now is the time to strategize. Here are four actionable steps to mitigate risks and prepare for the transition:
- Conduct a Comprehensive Asset Audit
Inventory all systems running Windows 10 and identify hardware that cannot support Windows 11. Utilize Microsoft’s Windows compatibility test to verify upgrade eligibility. - Evaluate Extended Security Updates (ESUs)
Consider the costs of ESUs against the potential impact of a breach. For some organizations, a subscription-based update program may serve as a cost-effective interim solution, particularly in educational settings with discounted rates. - Migrate Critical Systems to the Cloud
Cloud-based solutions can lessen reliance on local hardware and operating systems. Transitioning critical workloads to platforms like Azure or AWS ensures ongoing security and support. - Establish a Legacy Systems Decommission Plan
Develop a timeline to phase out unsupported systems and replace them with modern alternatives. Incorporate user training and data migration strategies to facilitate a smooth transition without disrupting business operations.
How Morphisec Can Help Secure Your Legacy Systems
Traditional security solutions often fall short when it comes to protecting legacy systems. Low bandwidth environments and outdated OS architectures lack the necessary computing power and visibility capabilities to support next-generation antivirus (NGAV), endpoint protection platforms (EPP), and endpoint detection and response (EDR/XDR) solutions.
Morphisec offers an innovative and lightweight alternative for organizations dealing with unsupported or air-gapped systems. Its Automated Moving Target Defense (AMTD) technology transforms the runtime memory environment, morphing system assets and placing decoys in their stead. Trusted processes continue to operate seamlessly, while attackers engaging with decoys are immediately trapped for forensic analysis.
This unique approach provides exceptional protection against advanced threats, including fileless attacks, in-memory exploits, ransomware, and supply chain attacks.
Unlike traditional security tools, Morphisec:
- Requires no updates for signatures or indicators of compromise (IoCs).
- Operates without relying on visibility capabilities unsupported by legacy systems.
- Functions in air-gapped environments without an internet connection.
For unsupported systems that cannot receive patches, Morphisec serves as a compensating control, effectively dismantling attack pathways to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited. This makes it an essential tool for securing end-of-life systems like Windows 10, Linux, and older Microsoft applications.
Gartner has recognized AMTD as a “game-changing technology for improving cyber defense.” Morphisec’s lightweight, proactive approach empowers organizations to defend against sophisticated attacks while ensuring compliance for end-of-life systems.
Adaptive Exposure Management (AEM), a key feature of Morphisec’s Anti-Ransomware Assurance Suite, offers a dynamic and forward-thinking approach to exposure management. Built on the foundation of AMTD, AEM continuously evolves alongside your organization’s attack surface, proactively addressing changes and vulnerabilities across your digital ecosystem.
By leveraging next-generation vulnerability prioritization, AEM provides continuous, risk-based remediation recommendations tailored to your organization’s unique business context, ensuring an efficient patch management process that keeps you ahead of emerging threats.
With Morphisec, IT teams gain a practical and cost-effective solution for securing legacy systems without compromising performance or operational continuity. Whether your systems are fully supported or nearing end-of-life, Morphisec ensures robust, forward-looking protection for your entire IT environment.
The Clock is Ticking
The impending end of Windows 10 support is more than just a milestone; it serves as a clarion call for businesses to modernize their IT environments. While ESUs provide a temporary fix, proactive measures—such as audits, migration, virtual patching capabilities, and preemptive cyber defense—are the most effective strategies to future-proof operations.
Now is the time to initiate preparations for the transition away from Windows 10.
