When Windows 10 reaches end-of-life on 14 October 2025, organisations face an immediate compliance problem. Running unsupported systems doesn’t comply with core requirements of many cyber security frameworks, regulatory standards and cyber insurance policies.
With Australian organisations reporting a cyber crime incident every six minutes1, failing to maintain compliant systems puts businesses at serious risk.
This is part three of Nexon’s series of articles examining how organisations can navigate the transition from Windows 10 and strengthen their security posture.
Beyond checkbox compliance
With escalating threats, regulations and media scrutiny, security compliance now has increased regulatory requirements into a business imperative. In a recent report 62% of organisations say customer, investors and suppliers require demonstration of compliance2. Organisations must demonstrate robust security controls to:
- Maintain cyber insurance coverage
- Meet customer and supplier requirements
- Pass security audits and assessments
- Protect reputation and stakeholder trust
- Enable business growth and innovation
A systematic approach to compliance
Organisations need a methodical approach to validating and maintaining compliance, especially when managing critical systems like Windows 10’s end-of-life. This means establishing robust frameworks, conducting regular testing cycles and documenting controls.
For medium and large Australian organisations, compliance requirements vary by industry and data handling practices. The Essential Eight framework from the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) provides foundational security controls, while the Privacy Act and Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme mandate specific data protection measures.
Key compliance drivers include:
Mandatory data breach reporting requirements
Cyber insurance prerequisites
Government and enterprise contract requirements
Supply chain security obligations
Industry-specific requirements add additional layers. For example:
Financial services: APRA CPS 234 Information Security standard
Healthcare: My Health Records Act and Healthcare Identifiers Act
Government contractors: Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF)
Critical Infrastructure: Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018
Meeting these overlapping compliance requirements demands a systematic approach to security validation and testing.
Independent security assessment and validation
Professional penetration testing objectively verifies controls and identifies vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. This independent verification is particularly critical when running systems approaching end-of-life.
Nexon’s CREST-certified experts use industry-leading tools and methodologies to simulate real-world attacks, validating your defences against compliance requirements.
Validation framework essentials
Effective security validation requires continuous monitoring and defence. Key elements include:
- Assessment planning: Experts collaborating with you to understand your environment, define the scope and identify critical assets.
- Systematic testing: Automated tools combined with manual techniques examine the environment, from network security to application vulnerabilities, access controls and monitoring.
- Precise remediation: Every assessment delivers actionable insights, including detailed vulnerability reports, risk-based prioritisation and step-by-step recommendations.
Our Security Operations Centre delivers these capabilities with 24/7 monitoring and defence.
Maintaining continuous adherence
Security validation isn’t set and forget. It must evolve with changing threats and regulations. This is especially critical during major transitions like Windows 10 end-of-life. A sustainable compliance program requires:
- Annual comprehensive security testing
- Quarterly vulnerability scanning
- Post-incident validation
- Change management testing
- Compliance audits
Our certified security professionals have extensive experience managing these requirements and hold credentials such as CISSP, CISM, CEH, OSCP, GIAC, and CompTIA.
Independent validation ensures compliance
While internal security checks are valuable, independent testing is essential – particularly during major digital transformations. A comprehensive validation approach delivers:
- Comprehensive protection: Testing should cover all aspects of your environment, from infrastructure to applications, ensuring thorough security coverage.
- Industry-standard methods: Testing should follow recognised frameworks and use proven tools to provide reliable results. Nexon is a CREST-certified organisation with ISO27001 and ISO9001 accreditation.
- Transparent reporting: Detailed insights demonstrate compliance to stakeholders and regulators while guiding security improvements.
Future-proof your security
As organisations transition from Windows 10 and technology environments grow more complex, maintaining compliance requires ongoing vigilance.
Working with experienced security professionals on a proactive approach helps organisations stay ahead of emerging threats, validate investments, maintain compliance and build business resilience.
Contact Nexon today to discuss how our security testing services can help protect your organisation and ensure ongoing compliance.
References:
1
ASD: ASD Cyber Threat Report, 2022-23
2
Vanta: State of Trust Report
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