US Air Force expects to complete Windows 10 migration by early 2018

3 min. read

Published onSeptember 6, 2016

published onSeptember 6, 2016

Share this article

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

The United States Airforce has decided to upgrade all of their systems toMicrosoft’s Windows 10 operating systemby January 31st2018, a year after the Department of Defense (DOD) is expected to complete their upgrade (on January 31st2017).

This upgrade will not just involve basic software updates but will also require the replacement of hardware as well with Air Force personnel being instructed to only purchase new devices through AFWay (the Air Force’s IT purchasing department) and to refrain from buying new desktop PCs.

“In many cases, users will receive replacement mobile computers with Windows 10 preloaded, while remaining users will have their existing computers upgraded to the new operating system,” areport in FedTech Magazine reveals.

In addition to the basic Windows 10 upgrade, all DOD components will incorporate the Windows 10 “Secure Host Baseline” which includes additional preconfigured secure applications for extra security.

An official statement explains the importance of the comprehensive upgrade. “The standard desktop configuration provides a single standard, enterprise-wide managed environment across the Air Force Network. New security features in Windows 10 will allow the Air Force and DOD to install software patches faster and counter a major cyber-intrusion technique called ‘pass the hash,’” it says. “Using this technique, attackers may access remote servers by using a stored hash, or a one-way transformation, of a user’s password rather than the standard plain text password. The new operating system also will increase accountability and transparency across DOD networks, allowing cyber defenders to better detect malicious activity.”

Windows 10 has long been touted as having a vastly improved security over previous Microsoft operating systems and the company has been actively promoting its importance during the year since its launch. Back in June, Microsoft’s director of program management at Windows enterprise and security,Rob Lefferts, specifically mentioned Windows 10’s hardware based isolation with Virtualization Based Security (VBS)as being one of the more compelling parts of the added security and stated that, “With Windows 10, this secure execution environment powered some of our most impactful security features, including Virtual TPM, Device Guard and Credential Guard. Credential Guard has proven so impactful that customers have told us that it’s their top-priority security feature and a benefit that is so compelling that it justifies the Windows 10 deployment all by itself.”

Has the added security offered in Windows 10 motivated you to upgrade or is it something you don’t really think about? Let us know in the comments below.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

User forum

0 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Radu Tyrsina

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

US Air Force expects to complete Windows 10 migration by early 2018#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

US Air Force expects to complete Windows 10 migration by early 2018