Why upgrading to Windows 11 is crucial — especially for healthcare services
A few weeks ago, I was talking with one of my colleagues after she’d returned from installing a software update at a customer site. The biomedical engineer at the hospital was discussing his current headache: completing the migration to Microsoft® Windows® 11 for several hundred computers before the October 13 deadline. After this date, Windows 10 officially goes end of life (EoL), and that means no more security patches or any other kind of update that will keep their IT environment and patient data secure.
In this post, I explore the risks of improper software maintenance, not just for operating systems like Windows, but also for bespoke solutions like the ones we provide at Perimed.
Every time the conversation turns to unsupported software, I’m reminded of the WannaCry ransomware outbreak in May 2017, which exploited a known vulnerability in Windows systems. The cyberattack affected hundreds of thousands of systems worldwide, with the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) among the major victims.
While the UK Department of Health and Social Care estimated the breach at £92 million, the actual cost was likely significantly higher, considering the impact of cancelled appointments and rebooking, increased IT support, the need for additional cybersecurity experts, patient disruption, and the costs associated with data and system recovery. Fortunately, the early discovery of a so-called kill-switch halted WannaCry’s capability to lock devices, significantly reducing the malware’s impact and preventing even greater disruption.
Prevention through software maintenance
The attack could, however, have been prevented with well-maintained software. And while the solution sounds easy, implementing it isn’t. Workarounds and customizations make migration projects complex — especially when legacy IT solutions are involved. In large hospitals, the sheer number of computers and variety of systems and devices ensures that any migration project will be time-consuming, requiring careful planning to minimize disruption.
The vulnerability exploited by WannaCry was known, and patches had been released for it before the outbreak. Yet, the ransomware succeeded in infecting thousands of systems either because these patches hadn’t been deployed or because computers were running unsupported end-of-life software. Windows XP, for example, was running on an estimated 5% of the world’s computers [1] at the time of the attack, even though extended support ended some three years earlier. Windows 7, which was supported software at the time, accounted for 98% [1] of WannaCry infections — primarily because patches hadn’t been deployed. The impact of the attack was so severe and widespread that Microsoft issued a security patch for Windows XP — a rare move for the tech giant.
Evolving role of IT in healthcare
Since the WannaCry attack, the role of IT in healthcare institutions has undergone significant evolution. Today, hospital boards view cybersecurity as mission-critical, which is reflected in the spending on information security projects. There is a greater understanding of the time and resources that organizations, especially large ones, need to invest in upgrading. Tech companies like Microsoft now offer extended support programs to provide more time to complete migrations, although these licenses can become increasingly expensive.
Why does software go EOL?
The short answer: constant evolution. Software needs to keep pace with hardware developments such as smarter processors, more efficient chipsets, and security-aware architectures.
You’ve probably noticed the difference when you get a new computer — everything feels faster. That’s partly because operating systems evolve to take full advantage of new hardware features like energy efficiency, compact architectures, and enhanced image processing.
In the highly regulated medtech industry, standards are constantly changing, leaving software vulnerable to non-compliance. At the same time, the growing complexity of cyberattacks means software needs to be patched regularly, and updating systems in this way eventually becomes ineffective.
And finally, from a software development perspective, there’s a simple but critical point: users expect innovation. As a software supplier, Perimed aims to deliver new features and workflows that align with new technologies and the evolving expectations of our users.
Running Windows 11 with your Perimed instrument
We have thoroughly verified our supported software releases to ensure they are fully compatible with Windows 11, so your Perimed instrument won’t hinder migration to the new version of the operating system.
In an ideal world, your organization has already migrated to Windows 11, is in the process of doing so, or has purchased an extended support program from Microsoft. All new PeriFlux 6000 systems ordered with a computer now come pre-installed with Windows 11, ensuring compatibility, security, and access to the latest features.
For new PeriFlux 6000 systems, we have opted for Microsoft Windows 11 IoT Ent LTSC 2024 (long-term servicing channel), because of its 10-year support lifecycle. Windows 11 IoT has been specifically designed to provide regulated industries, such as banking, manufacturing, and healthcare, with security, stability, and longevity. The version of Windows 11 IoT we are offering with new PeriFlux 6000 systems can be used throughout its lifetime, meaning the license can be transferred to a replacement computer.
Microsoft requirements
Microsoft is rolling out the upgrade to Windows 11 for free via Windows Update for computers running Windows 10 that meet the minimum performance specifications — defined by Microsoft. If your computer doesn’t meet the spec, you will probably need to purchase a new one. If you are updating from Windows 10 IoT to Windows 11 IoT, additional licensing fees may be required.
In a previous post, What’s new in PeriFlux 6000, we talked about our latest features for PeriFlux 6000 systems, including a medical-grade computer. If you wish to purchase a new computer from us, you can get in touch with your local sales representative.
For PeriFlux 6000 [2] and PeriCam PSI systems, we have validated the following versions of our software with Windows 11:
- PeriFlux 6000: PSW ExM 5.6.0/5.6.1
- PeriCam PSI: PIMSoft 1.5.8, 1.6, 1.11, 1.12, and 3.1
If you have a support or maintenance agreement with Perimed that includes software updates, you should already be running one of these versions. If you don’t have a support agreement with us that covers software updates, we highly recommend contacting your sales representative to arrange an upgrade.
Note: PeriFlux 6000 Standalone units are not affected by the Windows 11 update, as they are not connected to a computer running Microsoft Windows.
I hope you found this post insightful
References
[1] WannaCry hackers still trying to revive attack, says accidental hero, The Guardian, May 22, 2017
[2] PeriFlux 6000 Combined System, PeriFlux 6000 Pressure System, and PeriFlux 6000 TcpO2 System.
Deirdre P. Doyle
Head of Content
As Head of Content at Perimed, I ensure that the information we share is both accurate and compliant with the regulations and frameworks under which we operate, including EU MDR, HIPAA, GDPR, and the FDA’s 510(k) clearance process. I’m passionate about making technology human, helping people navigate complexity — and above all, making it engaging.
I hold a master’s degree in Computer Science from Trinity College Dublin and a Diploma in Freelance and Feature Writing from the London School of Journalism.
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of Perimed. The content provided here is intended for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as clinical claims or medical advice. Readers should consult healthcare professionals for specific medical concerns or treatment options.