If it’s been a long time since you’ve updated the software on your phone, computer, or any other device you use regularly, it’s time to bite the bullet and click that “accept” button the next time you’re prompted. It may be an annoyance to spend precious time waiting for an update to download, but don’t delay – those few minutes can save you hours of frustration down the line if a breach occurs and your information is stolen.
Keeping your apps, tools, and operating systems regularly updated helps to ensure that your data stays completely secure – and any known vulnerabilities in the software are patched as quickly as possible.
Why Are Software Updates Important?
Software updates serve a variety of purposes and can contain anything from new product features to security updates and vulnerability patches. These latter types of updates are particularly important, as they specifically tackle and fix issues that exist in a software’s security measures that could be exploited by hackers or other malicious actors to gain access to your information, accounts, or network.
Patch updates typically occur between the major version releases of an application or software, and are pushed when developers find errors, bugs, or security vulnerabilities that need to be fixed. Some companies push patches and updates on a regular schedule, making it easier for users to remember; Microsoft, for example, pushes its updates on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, giving way to the phrase Patch Tuesday. Microsoft also has a Security Update Severity Rating guide, indicating which updates are the most critical for customers to patch immediately – helpful for knowing when updating is simply unavoidable.
What Can Happen If I Don’t Update?
If you’re continuously hitting “remind me later” on your regular software updates, you’re running the risk of leaving open major vulnerabilities on your system that cyber attackers can take advantage of. Hackers are looking for a weak point they can leverage for access – and not updating regularly is like leaving a door unlocked or a window open. This can then lead to a host of problems for you, your organization, and your customers if someone is able to sneak in through the vulnerable cracks.
Not updating can lead to other issues as well, such as bugs, incompatibilities or errors due to outdated software, and more. All in all, it’s far better to update as early as possible than it is to wait until it’s unavoidable.
How to Make Updating a Breeze
Updating your software doesn’t have to be a drag! Follow these best practices and you’ll be more secure in no time.
Keep automatic updates on when you can. That way you don’t have to worry about manually updating every time a new update gets pushed out - your device will do the work for you!
If you have to update manually, do so directly to vendor sites. Using a link in an email could take you to a malicious download page - so only get updates from places you’ve verified and trust 100%!
Retire EOL software. This is software that developers are no longer supporting or pushing updates to. Using unsupported software is risky and should be avoided.
Don’t update on an untrusted network! Use a VPN if you must update over a public network like a cafe or hotel wifi.
Need a reminder of how to stay on top of software updates? We have you covered with a one-pager on the topic here. And though Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024 is almost over, keep the tips we’ve shared this month in mind all year to stay as safe and secure as possible while navigating online! You can see our previous Cybersecurity Awareness posts here.
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