Cybersecurity Tuesday Tip: Regularly update software

By Travis Thompson, ATSSA Director of Information Technology

Travis Thompson

It always happens at the most inconvenient time – a few minutes before the quarterly report is due, right before a big presentation or when you’re rushing to get out the door for a meeting. In the moment, it seems easiest to click, “Remind Me Later” when the “software update” message appears, and then deal with it another day.

This month, which is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’re offering tips each Tuesday to help protect businesses from cyber threats.

In today’s final installment we are talking about how to protect yourself and your business by keeping software updated – even when it’s inconvenient.

Companies that develop software applications (like Microsoft Office, Zoom Workplace and PayPal) and operating systems (like Android, iOS and Windows) regularly release software updates that fix bugs, add new features and, most importantly, patch security vulnerabilities.

When software developers identify security vulnerabilities, they develop a fix – commonly known as a patch – to eliminate or mitigate the threat of the vulnerability in the software. The security patch is made available to software users via a software update. Often, bad actors are already exploiting software vulnerabilities when updates are released, making timely installation a priority.

It’s easy to ignore or procrastinate installing software updates, but doing so jeopardizes your digital safety and that of your business. Below are a few ways to stay safe and current with software updates:

  • Watch for Notifications: Your devices will generally notify you when updates are available for operating systems and software applications. It’s essential to install all updates, especially for web browsers and antivirus software. Ignoring these notifications can leave your system vulnerable to security threats and performance issues. To avoid performance issues during presentations and calls, always check for and install updates ahead of the meeting.
  • Install Updates Promptly: When you receive a notification about a software update, especially a critical one, install it as soon as possible. Cybercriminals are always on the lookout for vulnerabilities in outdated software. By updating promptly, you minimize the risk of malware, data breaches and other cyber threats. Remember, delaying updates can give bad actors the opportunity they need to exploit your system.
  • Turn on Automatic Updates: Enable automatic updates to ensure your devices install updates as soon as they are available. This feature can usually be found in your device’s settings under Software or Security. If needed, search for “automatic updates” in your settings. Automatic updates save you time and effort, ensuring your software is always up to date without requiring manual intervention.

By following these steps, you can keep your software secure and updated with minimal effort. Staying proactive about updates not only protects your data but also ensures your devices run smoothly and efficiently. Make software updates a priority and enjoy a safer, more reliable digital experience.

For business leaders, it’s important to apply these tips throughout your organization. Speak with your information technology team to ensure that your organization leverages automatic updates, replaces outdated software and operating systems (like Windows 7), and educate your staff about the importance of timely updates.

If you missed any of the earlier cybersecurity tips, you can check them out:

Published Date

October 29, 2024

Post Type

  • News

Topic

  • ATSSA News

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