It never fails; you’re finally making progress on something, and that little box pops up in the corner of your screen asking you to update something. It’s tempting to keep clicking “Snooze” or “Remind Me Later”, but prompt updating of software is important not only to your user experience but also for the security of your system, and to an extent, the security of your enterprise.
There are several misconceptions about software updates:
- Updates are optional: Updates are not optional. Many organizations will force updates after a set timeframe due to the time-sensitive nature of vulnerabilities and security patches.
- Updates take forever: Many updates are very quick and will run in the background, minimizing disruption to your day.
- Updating will change your user experience: In some cases, updates may include optimizations or new features, but these are often beneficial and designed to improve your user experience.
Many software updates are focused on improved user experience, such as fixing bugs, optimizing performance, and introducing new features. These alone are enough reason to prioritize software updates, but there’s a more pressing matter: security.
Many updates include patches and fixes for security vulnerabilities. Digital threats are evolving rapidly, and security must keep pace; often updates are targeted to defend against new attack vectors from malicious actors. Neglecting updates can leave your system vulnerable to attacks, data breaches, and unauthorized access.
“Software updates are important because they include driver updates, operating system security patches, and new virus definitions,” explains Alan McDonald, Sentar’s System Admin. “There are zero-day vulnerabilities discovered nearly every day. If you don’t run updates, you’re vulnerable to the latest campaigns and threats.”
An unsecured system can be an entry point for a much larger security exploit, putting more than just your system at risk. It’s important to remain updated to not only protect your system but your enterprise as a whole. A system is only as secure as its users, and as a user you have a responsibility to maintain good digital hygiene and ensure your systems and stations are in compliance.
Software updates can seem unimportant or intrusive, but running them promptly is an essential part of cybersecurity. As digital threats continue to evolve, doing your part to combat them is as easy as clicking “Install Now.”
To learn more about how Sentar can help you improve your cybersecurity infrastructure, check out our Solutions page or contact us through our website to learn more.
Stay vigilant and stay secure!
By Sentar, your trusted partner in cybersecurity.
Additional Resources:
- Here’s why it’s so important to update your software by CISA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOQEnabWS5k
- https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/understanding-patches-and-software-updates
- https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world/update-software