Week 4: Update Software
Patch It Up: The Power of Automatic Software Updates
Using an outdated and unpatched software on your devices is analogous to driving a car that has a known safety issues to which the manufacturer offered to fix for free. Eventually, that vulnerability will cause a problem. Software updates are the free repairs and fixes for your digital life. Many of these updates are security “patches” that eliminate security holes that hackers love to exploit. This week, we’re going to use the power of automatic updates to protect our devices and apps.
Why Updates Are a Non-Negotiable Defense
A software update is a new version of an app (or operating system) provided by the developer. Sometimes updates add features, but many times they are critical security patches that fix vulnerabilities that were discovered after the software was released. Keeping your software updated has proven to be one of the best measures to defend against any cyberattack.
Prioritizing this is important because doing so will enhance your security in various vital ways:
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Locking the door from attackers: There are active hackers scanning the internet looking for networked devices with outdated, unpatched software. And updates fix those points of easy access to malware or ransomware.
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It's a race against time: Once vulnerability is known, it's a race between you applying the patch(generally by updating) and a hacker trying to exploit it. That’s why it’s important to have automatic updates, it helps you win that race effortlessly.
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Data protection: A single vulnerability in your browser, operating system, or an app could be enough for a thief to steal your passwords, financial information, and personal files.
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Improves performance: In addition to security, updates tend to fix bugs to make the software quicker and more stable.
How to Put It Into Practice
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Enable Automatic Updates: This is the single most important action you can take. Be sure that your computer, tablet, or phone (Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android) operating system is set to automatically download and install updates. This is a “set it and forget it” approach to securing your devices.
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Keep your Apps up to date: Your phone’s app store (Apple App Store, Google Play Store) should also have the option to update apps automatically. Be sure to check your settings that this is turned on. For app updates on a computer when prompted, apply that update immediately.
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Don't ignore your browser: Your web browser is your gateway to the internet and oftentimes it is the main entry point for security threats. Browsers (e.g. Chrome, Firefox, Edge) are generally good at updating themselves, but if you are asked to restart your browser, please do so immediately to apply those updates to protect you better.
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Don't click "Remind Me Tomorrow": When you receive an update notification, please don’t delay it again and again. Just save your work and run the update. Sure, it may take a few minutes, but it is worth it to make your device secure.
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Uninstall what you don't use: If you have an old application on your computer or phone that you no longer need, delete it. An unpatched, forgotten app increases your security risk that you don't have to take on.
Pro tip: Whenever is convenient for you, get into the habit of rebooting your computer and phone at least once a week. Many critical updates can’t be fully installed and activated until you restart the device. A regular reboot ensures your protections are always active.
Updating Systems Tutorials
Updating your Windows software enhances your user experience and keeps your data secure.
Updating your Apple Macintosh operating system will ensure security enhancements, compatibility, and increased longevity.
Keeping Chrome up to date helps protect you from hackers by having the latest privacy and security features. Hackers like to target browsers and use them as an entry point for malware.
Just like updating any other browser, updating Microsoft Edge gives you the best user experience and the latest security enhancements,
Updating your iPhone's operating system provides bug fixes, better battery life, privacy enhancements, and longevity.
Keeping your Android updated provides continuous integration with Google services, privacy control over apps, and security enhancements to known vulnerabilities.
Report Phishing
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Questions
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