Understanding the Critical Role of Software Updates

Procrastination might appear to be a strange way to begin our final article in our 2023 Cybersecurity Awareness series, but keep reading and it will all make sense before long. Think back to all those times you selected "remind me later" when prompted to update the software on your device. Did you know you were bypassing one of the easiest ways to ensure a more secure online experience? This week, we turn our attention to a fundamental aspect of maintaining a secure digital environment, namely, software updates.??

The rapid pace at which technology evolves requires us to be consistently proactive in protecting our digital assets. Keeping your software up to date is more than just a good practice—it's an essential step in safeguarding your digital world.?

Why You Shouldn’t Defer or Skip Software Updates:?

• Closing Security Gaps: When vulnerabilities are found in software, developers work quickly to fix them. These fixes come to you in the form of updates. By ensuring your software is up to date, you're making sure that you're protected from known vulnerabilities, which are common entry points for cyber attackers.?
• Improving Functionality: Updates aren’t just about fixing problems; they’re also about making your software better. This could mean faster performance, a more user-friendly interface, or additional features—all of which contribute to a more secure and efficient digital experience.?
• Ensuring Compatibility: Keeping your software updated ensures that it plays nicely with other software and systems, creating a smoother, error-free experience. This harmony is not just about convenience; it’s about maintaining a stable environment where security measures can work effectively.?
• Protecting Your Personal Data: Our personal information is valuable, and it's something we need to protect vigilantly. Software updates often include enhancements to privacy settings and encryption, helping to keep your sensitive data secure.?

Overcoming the Hurdles of Updating?

Even when we know that updating our software is important, sometimes it feels like a hassle. ??

The prompt to update software always seems to pop up at the most inconvenient time when we cannot afford any downtime. If you're concerned the update will slow you down in the middle of a busy day, try scheduling updates during times when you don't need to use your device as much. Whenever possible, try to set up your devices for automatic updates so you remove the decision-making out of the entire process regarding how long you can afford to put off the update.?

What now??

With increasing reliance and integration of our most critical systems and sensitive information into online digital tools as, well as commitments we make to our business partners to safeguard information they entrust to us, it is more important now than ever for all of us to strengthen our cybersecurity defenses. Over the past four weeks, we’ve highlighted four simple ways, which individually might not be foolproof, but when deployed together can be powerful tools to #SecureOurWorld. Review your firm's cybersecurity practices and consider enhancing them by incorporating these practices. Remember to:??

1. Use strong passwords?
2. Turn on MFA?
3. Recognize and report phishing?
4. Update software?

Together, we can build a safer digital future. #SecureOurWorld #cybersecurityawarenessmonth2023 #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth?