Comprehensive IT Solutions
Big Water Technologies offers tailored outsourced IT support solutions covering managed services, phone systems, cybersecurity, cloud services, and more.
Security and Compliance Experts
You can rest assured knowing we're security and compliance experts with the ability to protect your network while ensuring your environment exceeds regulatory requirements.
Exceptional Customer Service
Our team has been in the industry since the 1970s - allowing us to offer you informed, strategic insight while maintaining a high level of customer service.
Commitment to Client Success
You're far too busy to worry about technology. That's why your success is our success. We make IT work for you - so you can drive growth.
We currently use Big Water for our managed phone service and they are great! We have had issue with managed phone service providers in the past but Jenn is super responsive when we have an issue or need a new line added or removed. I would not hesitate to recommend Big Water for managed phone services, low voltage or other technology needs!
COLLEEN BUDDE
Franchise Owner at Office Evolution Troy

John Lowery
CEO, Big Water Tech
At BigWater Technologies, safeguarding the integrity and security of your IT system is non-negotiable. We're dedicated to optimizing your technology to enhance efficiency and power.
If you've felt burned by outsourced IT support providers in the past, rest assured, we prioritize fostering lasting client relationships over maximizing profits. Our focus is on maximizing the potential of your current IT infrastructure while keeping costs in check – possibly even reducing them.
Contact us at (248) 220-7714 to kick-start crucial IT discussions tailored to businesses like yours. Let's redefine your IT experience together.
Simplified IT Management
BIGview offers proactive outsourced IT support and management of technology assets on a subscription basis.
VoIP & Hybrid Phone Systems
Desktop & Mobile App, as well as Service Management with flexible VoIP service.
Vendor Neutral Management
We provide a thorough needs assessment, available provider review, order management, issue management, and regular bill reviews.
Comprehensive Equipment Support
We take care of your network security, switching, WiFi, servers, computers, video conferencing, and more.
Installation & Support
Low voltage cabling, paging, and camera systems designed to fit the needs of your team.
Ongoing Evaluation and Planning
Stay focused on the success of your company with regular proactive business reviews.

Start by assessing your Cyber Score to understand your business’s online security. This score provides clarity, replacing uncertainty with insight, so you know exactly where you stand and what needs improvement.
Use your Cyber Score to develop a clear, actionable Cyber Roadmap. This plan highlights vulnerabilities and provides precise steps to strengthen your security, saving you time and resources. Schedule a meeting with Big Water Tech so we can help you create a clear, strategic path to cyber resilience.
Put your Roadmap into action with a step-by-step approach to stronger protection. Demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding customer data while equipping your IT team with a focused, cost-effective security strategy.

Our blog shares practical guidance, expert takes, and real-world lessons drawn from the front lines of IT services. Stay informed, stay protected, and make smarter decisions for your business.

Short Answer:
IT systems that no longer receive vendor security updates—such as Windows 10 without ESU, Windows Server 2012, or outdated business software—are compliance violations in 2025, even if they still work. These systems can void cyber insurance coverage.
Reading time: 6 minutes
Last updated: December 15, 2025
Author: John Lowery, CEO, Big Water Technologies
Answer:
An IT system is non-compliant when it:
Is no longer supported by the vendor
Does not receive security patches
Lacks required controls like MFA
Fails to meet cyber insurance requirements
Functionality does not matter. Support status does.
This is why many Michigan businesses are being flagged during insurance renewals—even though nothing “broke.”
Short Answer:
No—unless you purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU).
As of October 2025, Windows 10 without ESU is non-compliant for most cyber insurance policies.
❌ Windows 10 without ESU → Non-compliant
⚠️ Windows 10 with ESU → Compliant, increasing annual cost
✅ Windows 11 → Fully compliant
Insurers now treat unsupported operating systems as uninsurable risk.
❌ Windows Server 2012 / 2012 R2
❌ Windows Server 2016
⚠️ Windows Server 2019 (extended support only)
✅ Windows Server 2022
❌ Windows 8.1
❌ Windows 10 Home
⚠️ Windows 10 Pro (ESU required)
❌ macOS versions before Monterey
If the vendor no longer patches it, insurers no longer trust it.
Answer:
Only QuickBooks Desktop 2023–2025 and QuickBooks Online are compliant.
❌ QuickBooks Desktop 2022 or older → Non-compliant
✅ QuickBooks Desktop 2023–2025 → Compliant
✅ QuickBooks Online → Fully compliant
Financial software is a frequent failure point in insurance audits.
Most common problem categories:
Microsoft Office 2016 or 2019
Perpetual-license accounting software
Legal and medical systems without current vendor support
Manufacturing systems running embedded XP or Windows 7
Age—not usefulness—is the deciding factor.
Windows 10 Extended Security Updates Pricing
Year 1: $61 per device
Year 2: $122 per device
Year 3: $244 per device
Total 3-year cost: $427 per device
For many firms, upgrading is cheaper than staying compliant on Windows 10.
Most policies now require:
All systems under active vendor support
MFA on admin and remote access
Regular patching
Tested backups
Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)
Required documentation includes:
System inventory
Patch logs
Backup test results
Security training records
No proof = no coverage.
Quick Compliance Check:
Identify OS and software versions
Verify vendor support status
Confirm MFA and patching
Review insurance requirements in writing
Most businesses fail at step two.
Immediate consequences include:
Denied cyber insurance claims
Regulatory fines
Contract violations
Policy cancellation
Average breach cost: $200,000+
Emergency upgrades: 3× planned cost
Yes. Michigan businesses must consider:
Michigan Data Breach Notification Act
Healthcare, legal, and automotive supplier rules
Municipal and state contract requirements
30-Day Compliance Plan:
Week 1: Inventory and support checks
Week 2: Upgrade planning or ESU decisions
Week 3: Implement changes
Week 4: Document and notify insurer
Waiting increases cost and risk.
Can I use Windows 10 if it still works?
Yes—but only with ESU. Without it, you’re non-compliant.
Is Windows 11 required?
No—but it’s the most cost-effective compliant option.
Do small businesses really get audited?
Yes. Renewals and claims trigger audits automatically.
Can I operate without cyber insurance?
You can—but breach costs become your personal liability.
In 2025, “working” does not mean compliant.
If your IT systems lack vendor support, insurers treat them as violations—no matter how reliable they seem. With stricter cyber insurance enforcement, Michigan businesses must modernize now or face denied claims and regulatory exposure.
Don’t find out after a breach that you weren’t covered.
Note: This article provides general guidance based on current trends. Always consult your specific insurance policy and legal advisors for requirements applicable to your situation.
Simple IT Management & Support
BIGview offers proactive management of technology assets on a subscription basis. BIGview is a service based offering designed specifically for your organization's requirements.
Hosted Voice
Desktop & Mobile App, SIP Firewall, and Service Management with flexible VoIP service. Powerful call control on a local business number you can access from anywhere.
Disaster Recovery & Backup
An automated data backup and restore system providing powerful tools to protect your organization's data. It doesn’t require any human assistance beyond the initial installation.
Managed Cloud Environment
Protecting your data is incredibly important. Our BIGcloud Server is highly secure, extremely reliable, easy to scale, and has simple and affordable pricing.
Managed File Sharing
BIGshare Managed Cloud Sharing is a secure, HIPAA & PCI compliant solution. Our BIGshare comes standard with backup and DRaaS all with unlimited storage for one simple price.
Managed Security
BIGprotect is a comprehensive fully-managed security solution. It provides a powerful way to protect your organization’s network .
Voice & Data Protection
BIGguard is a protection plan for your voice and data communications equipment. It provides a powerful way to protect your organization’s voice and data investment.
Security Assessment & Reporting
Elevate your security posture with our assessment and reporting solutions. Gain comprehensive insights into your organization's security landscape.
Spend less time on IT problems and more time growing your business. Let’s get to know each other and determine how our partnership could grow. With us on your side, you can develop a strong barrier against cybercrime, stronger communication strategies, and a better technology plan for the future.
Call (248) 220-7714 today or fill out the form below to schedule your appointment. We’re ready to jumpstart your IT journey.