🔍At a Glance:
- DCOM (Distributed Component Object Model) enables communication between Windows-based applications.
- Microsoft updates have hardened DCOM to address security vulnerabilities.
- Result: Compatibility issues may arise with Industrial Control System (ICS) software relying on DCOM.
- Windows 10 reaches end-of-life on October 14, 2025, compounding upgrade urgency.
🛠Background
In June 2021, Microsoft released KB5004442, a security update aimed at hardening DCOM. While these changes improve cybersecurity, they also introduce risks to OT environments, especially:
- SCADA/HMI systems
- Engineering workstations
- Data historians
If your systems depend on DCOM-based communication, you may face issues like failed application launches or broken device connectivity.
⚠️What’s the Risk?
Once the DCOM hardening updates are installed:
- Certain ICS applications may fail to launch or exchange data.
- Remote access to devices and data historians could be blocked.
- After March 14, 2023, the DCOM hardening features can no longer be disabled, even with registry edits.
- After October 2025, Windows 10 will stop receiving security updates—including those affecting DCOM. Windows 10 will reach end-of-life on October 14, 2025
Bottom line: Running ICS on Windows 10 with hardened DCOM settings presents a dual risk—unsupported OS and incompatible security changes.
✅What You Should Do
1. Audit your systems
→ Identify where DCOM is used across your OT/ICS environment.
2. Engage with your software vendors
→ Most have released guidance or patches to address compatibility with hardened DCOM.
3. Plan a migration strategy
→With Windows 10 approaching end-of-life, now is the time to evaluate your OS upgrade path alongside DCOM readiness.
4. Consult with an expert
Champion can assist with:
- System audits and risk assessments
- Safe application of Microsoft updates
- Compatibility mitigation strategies
- OS upgrade planning and execution
🤝We’re Here to Help
Whether you're sorting through vendor guidance or preparing for an OS transition, Champion Technology Services is ready to guide your journey. Our experts deliver tailored support for ICS environments, ensuring:
Minimal disruption
Long-term reliability
Cyber resilience
Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation.
We empower our clients to build safe, sustainable operations by delivering comprehensive Operational Technology (OT) solutions. From concept to implementation and beyond– we'll be there every step of the way.
Let's collaborate.
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DCOM Hardening
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