Keep up with your business updates
Keeping the devices and software you use for your business up to date is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can protect yourself online.
Why it matters
Software manufacturers routinely release updates for applications and operating systems. These updates – also called 'patches' – are released when the manufacturer wants to add a feature, or to fix a bug or 'vulnerability'.
A software vulnerability is a common way for online attackers to get access to your system. When a vulnerability is identified, developers work on creating a patch to fix it. You can then download this patch as a software update, often through your app store. If you have automatic updates turned on, this will download automatically.
The risks
If you don't install updates as they become available, you could be leaving your device at risk of attack.
Attackers exploit vulnerabilities to gain unauthorised access to your device and to the network the device is connected to.
If you use personal devices for work, then you need to keep these up to date as well.
Once attackers gain access to your system, they can then plant malicious software on your devices which can lead to further attacks such as ransomware.
How to keep your devices and systems up to date
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Don’t ignore updates
It is easy to ignore or to postpone updates, especially if you get frequent notifications. But timing is important— the sooner you update, the less time an attacker has to find and use these weaknesses for their own gain.
Along with your operating system, it is important to update all software applications installed on your device. Any application can have a vulnerability which an attacker can exploit to get access to your device or your network.
To make sure you are getting timely updates, you should turn on automatic software updates. You’ll find the option to do this in your device settings.
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Check your apps
If there are applications on your computer or your phone that you do not use, delete them. If there are ones you don’t use frequently, you do not need to stay signed in all the time.
Check the permissions and settings on your apps, too. Make sure they don’t have access to any features that you’re not comfortable with. You might want Instagram to access your camera or microphone, for example, but your email app wouldn’t need to.
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Check what else might need an update
Remember to check for updates for other, less obvious, devices. This is anything in your house or office that is connected to the internet or your devices – like printers, smart TVs, heat pumps, wireless speakers and even garage door openers. These are all examples of 'smart' appliances which can be controlled remotely, often through a mobile app. It’s important to check for, and install, updates for these devices too.