The Importance of Keeping Your Software Up To Date: A Must for Online Security

In the managed cloud applications and services era, it’s tempting to assume that software updates are no longer a pressing concern. After all, cloud vendors take care of critical tasks like releasing timely security fixes. However, a crucial aspect remains your responsibility: ensuring that your software systems are up to date. Neglecting this could expose your device and the services you access through the cloud to security risks.  

As more businesses transition to cloud-centric environments, the significance of software updates and patch management can be overshadowed. Nonetheless, even in heavily cloud-reliant setups, numerous client-side software components, including operating systems, firmware, and web browsers, still require attention.  

The human element plays a substantial role in cybersecurity, rendering technical measures largely ineffective without active participation. Among these measures, maintaining up to date software is paramount. Sadly, individuals often ignore or delay software update reminders, typically arriving at inopportune moments until a security incident occurs.  

Why It’s Crucial to Install Critical Security Updates  

In complex software, such as operating systems, many security vulnerabilities only surface after the software’s release. Reputable software vendors promptly address these vulnerabilities upon discovery, ideally before they can be exploited. In cases where resolving the vulnerability proves intricate, vendors might issue temporary fixes or disable problematic features temporarily. While this may seem inconvenient, it’s essential for thwarting malware and other threats that target these vulnerabilities.  

Additionally, there’s the issue of unsupported software. Software vendors allocate finite resources, leading them to support only their most recent product versions. Once software reaches the end of its lifecycle, the vendor ceases to provide updates, including critical security fixes. For example, Microsoft terminated mainstream support for Windows 8.1 on January 9, 2018. Organizations using Windows XP during the 2017 “WannaCry” ransomware attack learned this the hard way, as the outdated operating system became a prime target for hackers.  

Which Software and Endpoints Require Updating?  

Unless explicitly specified by your provider, promptly installing all critical security updates is vital. This encompasses desktop operating systems and software and updates for mobile devices and IoT (Internet of Things) devices. Even seemingly inconspicuous devices like smart thermostats and samrt door locks run on their own operating systems known as firmware. Vulnerabilities in such firmware can be exploited, potentially granting attackers access to your broader network. An example illustrates this vulnerability – hackers infiltrated a high-stakes casino’s database not by targeting it directly but by exploiting an internet-connected fish tank on the same network.  

In addition to keeping software up to date, exercise caution with devices or software that have reached the end of their support lifecycle or fail to meet current cybersecurity standards. Older network routers and range extenders may lack adequate protective measures, and fixing them with software updates alone may prove impossible. It’s advisable to retire such devices and software as soon as possible. If, for any reason, you must use obsolete operating systems or software, do so within a completely isolated environment. In other words, disconnect vulnerable or unsupported endpoints from your network. 
 
In the rapidly changing digital landscape, software updates act as our defense against emerging threats. Regardless of our reliance on cloud services, it is our collective responsibility to actively maintain our software systems. In this dynamic environment, prioritizing regular software maintenance is essential to safeguard your data and ensure a secure online experience for everyone. 

Need help with your IT? With Attain’s IT support services, you can rest assured that your business technology is in good hands, allowing you to focus on growing your business and serving your customers. 

Attain Technology is a comprehensive technology solutions provider specializing in Managed IT, Cybersecurity, Managed Cloud, and BCDR Solutions in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Through dependable and professional IT services, the Attain Technology team adeptly handles IT-related tasks, eliminates the associated hassles, and effectively deploys cybersecurity tools to mitigate potential errors by employees. Businesses can redirect their focus towards serving their clients, confident that their technology needs are well taken care of. Get in touch today for the proactive IT support your business needs to succeed.