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After October 14, 2025, There Is No Turning Back: The Windows 10 to Windows 11 Upgrade Guide for Savvy IT Ops

Microsoft ends support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025—no more security patches, bug fixes, or feature enhancements. For any organization caring about uptime, compliance, or cybersecurity, initiating a comprehensive windows 10 to windows 11 upgrade is not optional—it’s imperative. Here’s what tech teams must know and do now.

it engineer planning a smooth windows 10 to windows 11 transition

Why Microsoft Is Backing Off Windows 10 (and Why You Shouldn’t)

Microsoft’s announcement is clear: post-October 14, 2025, Windows 10 remains operable but unsupported. That means any new vulnerability goes unpatched—opening doors to ransomware, zero-days, and regulatory violations. In some sectors (e.g. finance, healthcare), operating on an outdated OS risks compliance breaches and contractual penalties.

Windows 11, by contrast, includes more advanced protections like TPM 2.0 enforcement, virtualization-based security, and enhanced identity management. These aren’t just features—they’re the foundation for modern enterprise resilience.

Top Five Motivators for the Windows 10 to Windows 11 Upgrade

Security-first architecture: TPM 2.0 and hypervisor-protected code form a hardened barrier against malware and rootkits.
Modern performance tools: Windows 11 supports advanced memory compression, DirectStorage, and responsiveness improvements that matter in hybrid or cloud-enabled workflows.
Seamless features & updates: Only Windows 11 receives ongoing feature releases and integration with Copilot, cloud-native tooling, and M365 innovations.
Compliance & insurance: Unsupported OSes are red flags in audits. Some policies may refuse coverage if vulnerabilities go unpatched.
Microsoft’s official reminders: From full-screen in‑OS prompts to automated upgrade eligibility checks, Microsoft is nudging users hard to modernize.

How to Execute a Successful Windows 10 to Windows 11 Upgrade

1. Take Inventory & Assess Compatibility

Run PC Health Check or equivalent across endpoints to determine upgrade eligibility. Filter by TPM version, CPU generation, disk space, and firmware settings. Machines failing these checks may need replacement or alternative remediation.

2. Categorize Your Estate

Group devices into easy upgrades, remediation required, and replace/create new hardware buckets. Evaluate whether older hardware qualifies for ESU purchases as an interim measure.

3. Test Pilot Programs

Pick a representative sample—office computers, remote worker laptops, kiosk devices—and perform an in-place upgrade. For eligible systems, the upgrade process is typically smooth and non-disruptive.

4. Plan Phased Deployment

Prioritize endpoints by criticality, compatibility, and support impact. Use deployment tools like Intune, SCCM, or Autopilot to stage and update in controlled windows, with rollback options intact for 10 days post-upgrade.

5. Back Up, Test & Validate

Employ full backup solutions (VSS snapshots, cloud images). After upgrading, verify device functionality: network access, line-of-business apps, domain/SSO login, printers, peripherals.

6. Educate and Communicate

Send clear communications: expected downtime, advantages (enhanced security, new Start menu, productivity tools), and support resources. Provide training or FAQs on Windows 11’s layout and integrated Microsoft tools.

7. Monitor, Support, Iterate

Use endpoint analytics to identify upgrade failures, security anomalies, or application compatibility issues. Provide a dedicated help desk and swift rollback procedures within the initial 10-day window, while gathering feedback.

If Hardware Falls Short: ESU as a Stopgap

For devices that fail the TPM 2.0 or CPU test but cannot be replaced immediately, businesses can purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10—$30 for consumers or tiered pricing for enterprises—giving critical updates beyond October 2025. While workable short-term, ESU does not include feature upgrades, bug fixes, or free support—reinforcing that ESU should be viewed as a bridge, not a destination.

Bottom Line

The windows 10 to windows 11 upgrade is more than an IT refresh—it’s a strategic step protecting operational continuity, vendor support, and compliance posture. With the October 14, 2025 deadline firm, tech leaders must treat deployments with urgency, structure, and resilience. Combining compatibility assessments, phased upgrades, backup safeguards, and interim ESU coverage will help your organization transition confidently and avoid the risks of stagnation.

By treating this migration as an operational imperative—backed by planning, testing, and user engagement—you not only ensure business continuity, but set a foundation ready for the next wave of enterprise innovation.

Related Services from Cost+

Support+: Ongoing desktop and endpoint support during your rollout.
Recovery+: Ensure your systems are fully backed up before upgrade.
Compliance+: Stay aligned with cybersecurity regulations as you modernize.

Sources

By Thomas McDonald
Vice President

cmcwplgnomg4042025-06-23T22:09:38-05:00June 17, 2025|

What Israel’s Strikes on Iran Mean for Threat Intelligence and Business Cybersecurity

Israel Iran cybersecurity risks: The recent military strikes between Israel and Iran have escalated rapidly, and while the headlines focus on missiles and drones, the digital fallout is already underway. The cybersecurity risks from Middle East conflicts are mounting, and businesses around the world—especially in the U.S.—should take this moment seriously. State-backed cyber actors are increasingly targeting infrastructure, financial systems, and software supply chains in retaliation or as opportunistic moves during global instability.

In the 48 hours following Israel’s June 2025 airstrikes on Iranian targets, cybersecurity researchers observed a major surge in offensive cyber operations. Iranian-linked groups such as APT34 (also known as OilRig) and Charming Kitten are among the most active, leveraging phishing, malware, and intrusion campaigns to exploit the situation. While Israeli entities are the primary targets, the nature of global digital infrastructure means many attacks may spill over into unrelated regions and industries.

This hybrid warfare approach is not new—but it’s evolving. As geopolitical crises intensify, businesses thousands of miles away can be caught off guard by data theft, ransomware, or availability attacks that trace back to nation-state tensions.

Why Your Business Should Be Paying Attention

Cyberattacks tied to state conflict are rarely contained. Hackers often deploy malware that spreads across networks and cloud platforms, intentionally or not. Phishing emails that reference energy disruptions or geopolitical news can bypass basic filters and trick employees into downloading malware or disclosing credentials.

Companies relying on remote access systems, third-party vendors, or cloud infrastructure may already be exposed. These dependencies make it difficult to identify the origin of risk—and even harder to defend against it without a strong, up-to-date cybersecurity framework.

Six Steps to Strengthen Threat Readiness

1. Monitor emerging threat actors: Track global intelligence feeds focused on Iranian APT groups. Ensure your security team can detect known IoCs (indicators of compromise).

2. Harden email security: Configure spam filters to catch region-specific phishing attempts and deploy phishing simulations internally to improve user awareness.

3. Review remote access protocols: Enforce MFA on all remote entry points and remove unused accounts with elevated permissions.

4. Confirm supply chain resilience: Reach out to vendors—especially those in logistics, healthcare, finance, or SaaS—and ensure their cybersecurity programs are current and verified.

5. Test your backups and recovery plans: Confirm you have offline, immutable backups that are tested regularly and easily restorable in case of attack.

6. Run a tabletop exercise: Walk through a cyberattack scenario based on this conflict with your leadership team. Identify gaps and assign action items now—before a real-world breach occurs.

How Cost+ Helps Companies Stay Ahead of Geopolitical Threats

At Cost+, we stay on top of international threat activity and translate it into local, actionable risk management strategies. Our Security+ team provides 24/7 monitoring, email threat detection, vulnerability scanning, and rapid response planning. Our Cloud+ and Recovery+ services ensure your systems stay secure, recoverable, and resilient—no matter what’s happening on the world stage.

We also help companies review vendor relationships, validate existing controls, and design customized response plans aligned with real-time global threats. The Cost+ approach is simple: stay proactive, stay secure, and avoid the costly surprises that come from ignoring warning signs.

Get a Free Cybersecurity Checkup

Whether you’re unsure where your vulnerabilities are or want to confirm that your systems are ready for whatever comes next, we can help. Our team will conduct a thorough review and deliver straightforward recommendations—without pressure or long-term commitments.

Schedule your free security check today or call 800.840.9690 to speak directly with a cybersecurity expert at Cost+.

Sources

By Thomas McDonald
Vice President

cmcwplgnomg4042025-06-22T16:14:33-05:00June 15, 2025|

Endpoint Protection for Englewood Professionals

Endpoint protection for Englewood professionals is no longer optional. With cyber threats evolving faster than ever, every laptop, desktop, phone, and tablet connected to your business is a potential entry point for attackers. Whether you run a law office, accounting firm, or medical practice, protecting each device is essential to protecting your business.

What Counts as an Endpoint?

An “endpoint” is any device that connects to your network. For most professional businesses in Englewood, this includes:

Employee laptops and workstations
Smartphones used for business communication
Remote desktops used by hybrid workers
Servers and office equipment like printers and scanners

Each endpoint is a doorway—secure it, and your business is safer. Leave it unprotected, and it becomes a liability.

The Risks of Weak or Missing Protection

Many small and midsize firms rely on basic antivirus software or outdated solutions that offer little defense against today’s threats. Common attack methods include:

Malicious email attachments or links
Unpatched software vulnerabilities
Credential theft via phishing
Unauthorized access from unmanaged devices

If one device is compromised, attackers can move laterally through your network—accessing files, emails, client records, and even financial systems.

What Modern Endpoint Protection Includes

Today’s businesses need more than antivirus software. A comprehensive endpoint protection solution typically includes:

Behavior-based threat detection
Real-time monitoring and response
Centralized management of all devices
Automatic patching and vulnerability scanning
Ransomware protection and rollback tools

At Cost+, we implement these protections as part of a managed service—so you don’t have to chase alerts or manually update software. Our cybersecurity team watches your systems 24/7 and responds before issues escalate.

Why It Matters for Englewood Professionals

Law firms, medical offices, financial advisors, and other Englewood professionals all handle sensitive data—and that data often lives on employee devices. Without proper protection, client trust and business continuity are at constant risk. Worse, many regulatory standards now require device-level security as part of compliance (including HIPAA, SOX, and industry-specific data protection rules).

The Local Advantage: Responsive Support

Unlike national providers, we live and work near you. That means when there’s an issue, you get fast support—remote or onsite. We understand the way local businesses operate and tailor our endpoint security solutions to match your workflows and compliance needs. With Cost+, you’re not just protected—you’re supported.

Secure Every Device—Before It’s Too Late

Endpoint protection isn’t a luxury. It’s a requirement for any business that depends on technology—and in Englewood, that means nearly every professional firm. Contact us today to learn how we can secure every device, reduce your risk, and give you peace of mind.

cmcwplgnomg4042025-06-09T18:32:20-05:00June 15, 2025|

Retail Cybersecurity in Paramus: The Risks Behind the Register

In Paramus, one of New Jersey’s most active retail corridors, thousands of transactions occur every hour. From large department stores to boutique shops, the local economy thrives on foot traffic and point-of-sale performance. But behind every smooth transaction lies a growing risk that many retailers haven’t fully accounted for: cybersecurity.

Retailers in Paramus face a perfect storm of vulnerabilities. High transaction volume, heavy reliance on cloud-based systems, multiple employees handling registers, and public-facing Wi-Fi all introduce serious exposure. Add to that the growing sophistication of cybercriminals targeting small and midsize businesses, and the question isn’t if there will be an incident—it’s when.

More Than Just Credit Card Theft

When people think of retail cybersecurity, they often imagine hackers stealing credit card numbers. But the threats run much deeper. Ransomware can encrypt entire POS systems, shutting down operations. Phishing attacks on retail staff can result in compromised credentials, leading to unauthorized access to vendor accounts, payroll data, or even customer loyalty programs.

One Paramus-based retailer contacted Cost+ after discovering that a former employee still had access to their cloud POS system, weeks after leaving the company. Another had unknowingly been forwarding sensitive order information to a spoofed email address due to a subtle typo in their vendor contact. These aren’t high-tech breaches—they’re simple mistakes with major consequences.

Threats Facing Retailers in 2025

Compromised email accounts through targeted phishing
POS malware planted via public Wi-Fi networks
Credential stuffing from re-used passwords on employee logins
Weak endpoint protections on tablets and handheld inventory devices
Lack of backup strategies for cloud-based systems

With most attacks automated and indiscriminate, even a single-location shop in Paramus is fair game. In fact, local retailers are often easier targets than national chains precisely because they lack the internal teams or vendor scrutiny to catch the early signs.

The Legal and Financial Fallout

New Jersey has tightened its requirements around data breach notifications and cybersecurity controls for businesses that handle customer information. Retailers who suffer a breach may be required to notify every affected customer, implement costly remediation, and endure brand damage that far outweighs the original attack.

And insurance won’t always cover the gap. Many cyber insurance providers require proactive controls to be in place—from email filtering and endpoint detection to documented incident response plans. Without those, claims may be denied, leaving owners to foot the bill.

How Cost+ Helps Retailers in Paramus

At Cost+, we work directly with retail owners and managers to reduce risk without adding unnecessary complexity. Our Security+ service helps secure email, endpoints, and cloud accounts with policies that match how retailers actually operate. We ensure devices are locked down, former employees are offboarded, and backups are both encrypted and restorable.

For retailers with advanced needs or high ticket volume, we also offer Recovery+ and compliance assessments to support PCI standards and insurance requirements.

Local Help, Fast Response

We’re not a call center in another state. We provide support to businesses in Paramus and throughout Bergen County with offices in Ramsey, NJ and boots on the ground. When there’s a problem, we answer—and we act.

Explore our services for retailers in Paramus, or schedule a free cybersecurity check to see where your risks lie.

Or call 800.840.9690 today.

cmcwplgnomg4042025-06-01T17:47:38-05:00June 15, 2025|

The Operational Value of Backup Testing and Validation

Most companies know they should back up their data; however most are not experts in backup testing and validation. Even fewer ask the next question: will those backups actually work when needed? A backup strategy without regular testing is an unproven assumption. In the event of data loss, corruption, or cyberattack, it’s not the existence of a backup that matters—it’s the ability to restore clean, usable data under pressure.

Backup testing and validation is the process of routinely verifying that backup files are complete, intact, and recoverable. This isn’t just a technical best practice—it’s an operational requirement. Businesses that skip this step often don’t discover the failure until it’s too late.

Why Backups Fail More Often Than Expected

Backups can silently fail for a variety of reasons. A misconfigured setting might exclude key directories. A backup job may have been interrupted by a network issue or disk error. In cloud-based systems, retention policies or storage limits may cause old backups to be overwritten or lost. Without testing, these failures remain hidden.

What Testing Actually Confirms

Regular testing isn’t about spot checks or file listings. It involves restoring data to a controlled environment and verifying its completeness, usability, and integrity. Key questions include:

Can critical systems be restored to a specific point in time?
Are application settings, permissions, and dependencies preserved?
Does the recovery process meet the business’s recovery time objective (RTO)?
How long does a full restore actually take in real-world conditions?

These answers define whether a backup is merely present—or operationally effective.

The Link to Business Continuity

From a leadership perspective, untested backups represent a blind spot in risk management. Ransomware attacks, hardware failures, accidental deletions—each of these scenarios requires not just data recovery, but confidence in the process. A tested backup strategy reduces uncertainty and allows decision-makers to act decisively in a crisis.

It also supports compliance and audit requirements. In regulated industries, proving that data can be restored is just as important as proving it was backed up in the first place.

Conclusion

Backups are only as valuable as your ability to restore them. Testing and validation turn a passive safety net into a proven resilience strategy. For businesses that rely on uninterrupted access to systems and information, this is not a technical detail. It’s a core component of operational continuity.

By Thomas McDonald
Vice President

cmcwplgnomg4042025-06-23T22:17:00-05:00June 15, 2025|

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