News

Microsoft Windows 10 End Of Life!

14th February 2025 By Paul Marsh

Microsoft Windows 10 End of Life

Microsoft Windows 10 will go End of Life in October 2025, this is an important and significant date for any business.

After this date, Microsoft Windows 10 will stop receiving regular patches and critical security updates. Still running Windows 10 after October 2025 will make your Business very vulnerable to security incidents, viruses and ransomware.

Running outdated or obsolete Operating Systems and Software will make each device vulnerable to attack, making your Business IT Security and Compliance a serious concern.

Microsoft Windows 10 End of Life, Microsoft Windows 11 Upgrades, Microsoft Windows 11 Compatiblity Checker

Upgrades to Microsoft Windows 11

Modern computers and laptops are likely to be compatible with Microsoft Windows 11 and could potentially be upgraded from Microsoft Windows 10.

You should also check your business applications are compatible with Windows 11 and identify any applications which are not compatible.

Older Computers and Laptops or ones which don't support Microsoft Windows 11 will need to be replaced prior to October 2025

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What does Windows 10 End of Life Mean

Mainstream Support

The mainstream support phase generally refers to the first 5 years of a product’s life cycle. During this period, the product receives feature updates, security patches, and service packs. Users can also request non-security updates, incident support, or product feature changes.

For Microsoft Windows 10, this has been out for an extraordinary amount of time, the mainstream support phase was from 29th July 2015 to 14th October 2025.

Extended Support

The Extended Support phase is the final five years of a product's lifecycle. During this period, a product only receives security updates, and users can no longer request new design changes or non-security updates.

End of Support

As stated, after a product reaches the end-of-life phase, Microsoft will stop providing most forms of updates and support for it, making it a security risk.

For customers who are still in the upgrade process or those who need to keep using legacy products, Microsoft offers one final option: the Extended Security Update (ESU) program.

Why Can’t I Just Keep Using Microsoft Windows 10?

As stated, once Microsoft Windows 10 reaches the EOL phase, they will no longer receive critical security updates. This puts them at increased risk of cyberattacks and non-compliance. The option to receive a few more years of security updates comes with a premium, a paid subscription to Microsoft.

To add to this, the newer versions of Microsoft Windows 11 simply offer way more features and better performance and modern security.

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And if you’re still not sold on moving away from Microsoft Windows 10, this article on vulnerability exploitation might change your mind.

Ready to make the change?

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Microsoft Office 2016 End Of Life!

4th January 2025 By Paul Marsh

Microsoft Office 16 End of Life

Microsoft Office 2016 will go End of Life in October 2025, this is an important and significant date for any business.

After this date, Microsoft Office 2016 will stop receiving regular patches and critical security updates. Still running Microsoft Office 2016 after October 2025 will make your Business very vulnerable to security incidents, viruses and ransomware.

Running outdated or obsolete Applications or Operating Systems and Software will make each device vulnerable to attack, making your Business IT Security and Compliance a serious concern.

Upgrades to Microsoft Office 2016

Modern computers and laptops are likely to be compatible with latest version of Microsoft Office and potentially be upgraded to the latest version of Microsoft Office software.

You should also check your business applications are compatible with the latest version of Microsoft Office and identify any applications which are not compatible.

Older Computers and Laptops, or ones that don't meet the minimum specifications for the latest version of Microsoft Office will need to be replaced prior to October 2025

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What does Microsoft Office 2016 End of Life Mean

Mainstream Support

For Microsoft Office 2016, the mainstream support phase was from 22nd September 2015 to 13th October 2020, with Extended End Date being 14th October 2025.

Extended Support

End of Support

As stated, after a product reaches the end-of-life phase, Microsoft will stop providing most forms of updates and support for it, making it a security risk.

For customers who are still in the upgrade process or those who need to keep using legacy products, Microsoft offers one final option: the Extended Security Update (ESU) program.

Why Can’t I Just Keep Using Microsoft Office 2016?

As stated, once Microsoft Office 2016 reaches the EOL phase, they will no longer receive critical security updates. This puts them at increased risk of cyberattacks and non-compliance. The option to receive a few more years of security updates comes with a premium, a paid subscription to Microsoft.

To add to this, the newer versions of Microsoft Office simply offer way more features and better performance and modern security.

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And if you’re still not sold on moving away from Microsoft Office 16, this article on vulnerability exploitation might change your mind.

Ready to make the change?

Click Here

Microsoft Windows Server 2016 End Of Life!

14th December 2024 By Paul Marsh

The Microsoft Windows Server 2016 End of Life deadline (October 10, 2025) is closing in.

After this date, Windows Server 2016 will stop receiving regular patches or critical security updates, making their security and compliance a serious concern.

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Mainstream Support

The mainstream support phase refers to the first 5 years of a product’s life cycle. During this period, the product receives feature updates, security patches, and service packs. Users can also request non-security updates, incident support, or product feature changes.

For Microsoft Windows Server 2016, the mainstream support phase was from 15th October 2016 to 11th January 2022, with Extended End Date being later.

Extended Support

Microsoft Windows Server 2016 is currently in the extended support phase.

End of Support

As stated, after a product reaches the end-of-life phase, Microsoft will stop providing most forms of updates and support for it, making it a security risk.

For customers who are still in the upgrade process or those who need to keep using legacy products, Microsoft offers one final option: the Extended Security Update (ESU) program.

The end-of-life date for Microsoft Windows Server 2016 is 12th January 2027.

Why Can’t I Just Keep Using Windows Server 2016?

As stated, once Microsoft Windows Server 2016 reach the EOL phase, they will no longer receive critical security updates. This puts them at increased risk of cyberattacks and non-compliance. The option to receive a few more years of security updates comes with a premium.

To add to this, the newer versions like Windows Server 2019 and 2022 simply offer way more features and better performance.

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And if you’re still not sold on moving away from Windows Server 2016, this article on vulnerability exploitation might change your mind.

Ready to make the change?

Click Here

Windows 10 End of Life – October 2025

7th August 2024 By Paul Marsh

Windows 10 will go EOL (End of Life) on the 14th of October 2025. Meaning that all support and security updates will stop! This is only just over a year away at the time of writing, As business owners will know the process of getting staff moved over can be a time consuming process so it is best to start as soon as possible.

Why not give us a call to discuss getting your machines upgraded?

Continuing to use Windows 10 after this date will leave your machines and business at risk of attack.

Please see below countdown for the 14th of October 2025 (The date Windows 10 support will end)

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Even though Windows 10 support is ending it doesn't mean that your machine will stop working, But it will become a very high risk and using an out of date OS (Operating System) means your machine will get ZERO security updates leaving your machine at risk to attackers and malware.

For a business this can be detrimental to how the business runs. In some cases it can shut down a company completely.

More information on the Microsoft Life Cycle can be found in our article on Windows Server 2012 R2 End of Life.

Vulnerability Explotation

Using an OS after its End of Life date should be a concern for anyone. When Microsoft releases an update for windows 10 or any OS for that matter, criminals and security professionals will find vulnerabilities in the OS and find ways to exploit them. Once an OS is end of life it no longer receives these updates that patch up the vulnerabilities of the previous update.

Whilst running an OS that has passed its EOL date all of the vulnerabilities of the last update are likely to be known and act as an invitation for attackers. Attackers are more likely to target a user that is running an older EOL OS over the more recent updated versions as older versions are easier to exploit.

Keeping your software and machines up to date should be a priority.

Why not have a look at this article on Vulnerability Explotiation

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Virtual Private Networks | VPN’s

19th June 2024 By Paul Marsh

Virtual Private Network (VPN) Installation Services

Virtual Private Networks (VPN's) can offer a cost effective alternative to expensive Leased Line or fixed, long distance networking solutions from telecom companies. Virtual Private Networks

A Virtual Private Network can provide a Secure and Encrypted Site to Site computer network link over the internet between different Offices

Virtual Private Networks can also allow Remote Staff or Mobile Staff to access your Internal IT Systems securely

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Virtual Private Networks, VPN, Remote Users, Branch Offices, Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Sussex, Surrey

VPN | Remote Staff

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can enable Remote or Mobile Staff to Securely Access your internal IT Systems

Utilising a secure and encrypted VPN connection between your Remote or Mobile Staff will ensure the Company Data stays private and the risk of Data leakage is minimised.

Utilising the latest IPSEC or SSL VPN security and equipment, Remote Offices can be properly secured and still remain productive Allowing only authorised staff remote access to your Business IT systems.

Using a VPN means the Business's internal IT Systems are not directly published on the Internet, and remain protected behind a Robust Firewall

VPN | Branch Offices

A Branch Office Site to Site VPN is ideal if you have Branch Office or Remote Offices. And have staff at that Remote location that needs Secure Access to your Internal IT Systems

Linking Offices directly together using a Firewall at each location means, users dont have to make a VPN connection from their computer everytime the need IT Resources at the Remote Location.

Instead the IT Resources are available seamlessly as though they are on the same internal Computer Network. And are accessed through the Virtual Private Network

Utilising the latest IPSEC or SSL VPN security and equipment, Remotely Working Staff can be properly secured and still remain productive Allowing only authorised staff remote access to your Business IT systems.

VPN | Compatible Broadband Technologies

Virtual Private Network VPN's can utilise a wide range of 'broadband' internet connections, including ADSL, VDSL, FTTC, Fibre, EFM, Leased Lines

With the right type of Firewall Hardware, you can extend your internet Business Computer Network, securely to Remote Workers and Branch Offices

We have many years experience in this field and offer Design and Installation of Firewalls and VPNs

Give us us call to discuss how we can securely link up your Branch Offices or Remote Workers to your Internal IT Systems

Types of Phishing Attacks

1st May 2024 By Paul Marsh

There are four main types of phishing attacks, Spear Phishing, Whaling, Smishing and Vishing as explained later in this article.

"Phishing" is a term used to describe the act of stealing or gaining access to sensitive information by luring in and tricking victims. Most common forms of phishing occur via email although this isn't always the case as attackers can use text messages as well as other messaging mediums.

Attackers usually disguise themselves as a trustworthy and reputable source often using language that gives a sense of urgency, This tied with the attackers disguise is the reason phishing is so effective.

Spear Phishing

Spear phishing is a type of phishing attack that specifically targets one or a group of users, The attackers then push the user to urgently take action. Phishing emails/messages can contain malware disguised as attachments or links to false webpages designed to look exactly like legitimate sites.

Commonly phishing attacks will contain something for the user to click on and interact with. It can be something as simple as getting the user to open a file, click on a link or divulge sensitive information.

Whaling

Whaling is similar to spear phishing as it targets specific users. However whaling attacks are different because they are designed to target important people within an organization such as a CEO, Director or Head of Departments such as Finance.

Although spearfishing attacks can be harmful to a business, whaling can have a detrimental effect to everyone within an organization and its customers simply because of the information these people hold.

Smishing

Smishing is a social engineering attack similar to phishing but instead it uses text message / SMS rather than email.

Used for the same reasons as phishing, smishing attacks attempt to trick victims into clicking on links with malware hidden behind them, sharing sensitive information or trick victims into sending money.

In the most common form of Smishing attack, attackers pretend to be a friend or loved one who has changed their phone number and urges the reader to update the number in their phone. Doing this gains trust with the reader and makes the attacker less suspicious when making requests for money or information.

Vishing

Vishing is a form of social engineering that happens over a phone call. This is an older form of social engineering that has been around for a long time.

They act confidently and professionally when calling pretending to be someone from the government, police, the bank or tax authority. They may try and convince you that you owe an amount or that you have an outstanding fine.

Again in this form of attack the attackers always ensure there is a sense of urgency as this makes people panic and are less likely to think about their actions.

Steps you can take to stop attackers impersonating your business

See below information on the settings that can be applied to your email system to mitigate the impersonation of your business.

DMARC is a standard applied to emails that confirms the senders identity. When paired with SPF and DKIM, It stops attackers impersonating your domain by checking back with your email system to confirm that you have sent the email. The attackers email is then set as spam and it will not reach its destination.

We Provide 3rd party spam filtering, O365 security management, MFA (Multi Factor Authentication) setup, O365 secure score management and email backups. Contact us to enquire about protection for your business.

Also see the below resources from the NCSC and NCA for ways to defend your organisation against attackers.

Resources to educate yourself on Phishing and Social Engineering

Please see the below links to trusted government websites and videos to educate yourself and others on Phishing and Social Engineering.

News

Microsoft Windows 10 End of Life

Upgrades to Microsoft Windows 11

What does Windows 10 End of Life Mean

Mainstream Support

Extended Support

End of Support

Why Can’t I Just Keep Using Microsoft Windows 10?

And if you’re still not sold on moving away from Microsoft Windows 10, this article on vulnerability exploitation might change your mind.

Ready to make the change?

Microsoft Office 16 End of Life

Upgrades to Microsoft Office 2016

What does Microsoft Office 2016 End of Life Mean

Mainstream Support

Extended Support

End of Support

Why Can’t I Just Keep Using Microsoft Office 2016?

And if you’re still not sold on moving away from Microsoft Office 16, this article on vulnerability exploitation might change your mind.

Ready to make the change?

Mainstream Support

Extended Support

End of Support

Why Can’t I Just Keep Using Windows Server 2016?

And if you’re still not sold on moving away from Windows Server 2016, this article on vulnerability exploitation might change your mind.

Ready to make the change?

Vulnerability Explotation

Why not have a look at this article on Vulnerability Explotiation

Virtual Private Network (VPN) Installation Services

VPN | Remote Staff

VPN | Branch Offices

VPN | Compatible Broadband Technologies

Spear Phishing

Whaling

Smishing

Vishing

Steps you can take to stop attackers impersonating your business

We Provide 3rd party spam filtering, O365 security management, MFA (Multi Factor Authentication) setup, O365 secure score management and email backups. Contact us to enquire about protection for your business.

Also see the below resources from the NCSC and NCA for ways to defend your organisation against attackers.

Resources to educate yourself on Phishing and Social Engineering

National Cyber Security Centre - Phishing Attacks: Defending your organisation

National Crime Agency - Cyber Crime

DMARC - How it works

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