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Cybersecurity in the UK is under pressure, and the NCSC’s 2025 Annual Report is a wake-up call for businesses of all sizes. Here’s what you need to know, and why it matters.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has just released its 2025 Annual Report. It’s not exactly comforting bedtime reading; attacks are up, threats are evolving and the message is clear: it’s time to take cybersecurity seriously.
The UK saw a 50% rise in nationally significant cyber incidents compared to last year. That’s 204 major attacks, the highest number ever recorded. These aren’t just tech hiccups; they’re serious breaches affecting critical infrastructure, retail giants and even rail operators.

Who’s behind it? State-backed actors from China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are all named. Ransomware is still rampant, with criminals targeting whoever’s most likely to pay up or suffer from downtime. And AI? It’s a double-edged sword. While it’s helping businesses, it’s also giving cybercriminals new tools to wreak havoc.

But there is some good news: you don’t need to be a tech expert or have a huge budget to protect your business. The NCSC is urging companies to get back to basics. That means phishing awareness, proper training and using multi-factor authentication. It also recommends getting Cyber Essentials certified, especially if you’re part of a supply chain. And don’t forget the free Early Warning service – it’s there to help you spot trouble before it hits.

Boards need to step up too. Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT problem anymore; it’s a business survival issue. The upcoming Cybersecurity and Resilience Bill will likely make board-level responsibility a legal requirement. So, if you’re a director or senior leader, now’s the time to get involved.

And yes, the government is taking action. Ministers have written to FTSE 350 CEOs, urging them to prioritise cyber risk, require Cyber Essentials across their supply chains and sign up for NCSC’s services. But this isn’t just for big firms. Smaller businesses make up 90% of the UK economy and many breaches start there.

Next steps… start small, stay informed and lean on trusted partners. CyberSmart’s tools, like Patch, can help you keep software up to date without the hassle. Because in today’s world, cybersecurity isn’t optional – it’s essential.

Let’s make the UK a safer place to live and do business.

Windows 10 Support Has Ended: What Now for Your Business?

It has been almost two months since Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10. For many, that marks the end of an era. For businesses, it’s a little more serious; it means a shift in how you manage your IT security and planning.

So, what does “end of support” actually mean?
Simply put, Windows 10 will still work. You can switch it on, log in and use your usual software. But from now on there will be no more free security updates, bug fixes or technical support from Microsoft.
Without regular updates, new security weaknesses will remain open, leaving an easy route in for attackers. Microsoft has been very clear about this, warning that “without continued software and security updates, your PC will be at greater risk for viruses and malware”. For organisations handling customer data or that are relying on connected systems, it could become a compliance or insurance risk.

Still Using Windows 10? You’re Not Alone

Recent figures suggest that around 40 per cent of all Windows PCs worldwide are still running it. That means hundreds of millions of machines remain on an operating system that is no longer supported. In the UK, consumer group Which? estimates that roughly 21 million people still use a Windows 10 computer. About a quarter of them plan to keep using it after support ends, even though it will leave their systems open to risk. Businesses are in the same position. Analysts believe that more than half a billion corporate PCs around the world still run Windows 10 (and many won’t have been upgraded in time).

There are a few reasons for this:
Hardware compatibility is one, as older but reliable machines do not meet Windows 11’s stricter requirements.
Cost is another, with many companies delaying hardware refreshes while focusing on other spending.
And finally, the process itself can be complicated; large upgrades take time, planning and testing.

What Can You Do?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are the most practical options.

1. 𝘜𝘱𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘴 11 (𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯)
If your hardware supports it, upgrading is free and fairly straightforward. You can check by opening
𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 → 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 & 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 → 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 → 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀.
If your device meets the requirements, Windows 11 will appear as an available upgrade.
Windows 11 offers stronger built-in security, better performance and a more modern design. It also supports newer features, including enhanced protection against ransomware and access to Microsoft’s AI tools such as Copilot.

2. 𝘜𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘹𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘜𝘱𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 (𝘌𝘚𝘜) 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘮𝘦
If your computers are not ready to move to Windows 11 yet, Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates scheme can keep them protected for a limited time. Businesses can pay a fee per device, but its worth noting Microsoft have said the fee will be doubling each year after that.

For home users, there is a lower-cost version, and in some cases it may even be free. However, it should be seen as a temporary fix, not a long-term solution.

3. 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘦
If your PCs are several years old, it may be time to start planning replacements. Modern devices are faster, more efficient and far more secure. While it involves some cost up front, investing in new machines often saves money in the long run through improved reliability and lower energy use.

Why It’s Important to Act Now

It can be tempting to put this off, especially if your computers are working fine but waiting too long can make upgrading harder and more expensive later. Running unsupported software can also create issues with cyber insurance policies and compliance frameworks, something many businesses only discover when they need to make a claim.

With some planning you can avoid disruption and spread the cost over time. Start by checking which machines are ready for Windows 11, set a budget for any replacements, back up key data and speak with UseIT or your IT provider for support and advice.

What This Means for Your Business

The end of Windows 10 is not just a software update deadline. It’s a reminder of how quickly technology moves and why keeping systems current is key to security and stability.

If you’re unsure where to begin, UseIT can help. We’ve been guiding local businesses through upgrades for years, helping them stay secure, compliant and ready for the future.

If you’re still running Windows 10, now’s the time to put a plan in place.

Let’s make sure your technology is working for you, not holding you back.

Get in touch today to discuss your options and prepare your business for what comes next.

Did you know UseIT now offers Telecoms too?

A lot of people still think of us only for IT support and security, but we can now also help with keeping your business connected.

Introducing UseIT Telecoms!

We provide:
Business broadband. A reliable, fast connections tailored to your needs
Leased lines. Dedicated, high-speed internet with guaranteed performance
Telecoms solutions. From traditional phone lines to modern VoIP systems

Bringing your IT and telecoms together under one roof means fewer suppliers to manage, faster support when something goes wrong and solutions that actually fit how your business works.

So if you’re looking at new connections, planning an upgrade or just weighing up your options, it’s worth having a chat with us first.

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