Top 5 reasons why you need software updates and patches.
We
often get little popup windows signaling us about a software update for our
various digital devices. However, due to our busy schedules or ignorance, most
people dismiss these notifications with a promise of installing the update at a
later time. The truth is, a large percentage of people never install the
updates because they presume it would take much of their time or they do not
understand the importance of such updates. Regardless of the reason, failure to
install software updates leaves a user open to enormous security challenges. In
this article, we are going to look at 5 reasons why general software updates
and patches are crucial.
To patch security flaws
Attackers
exploit software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to computer
systems. A vulnerability is a security loophole found in software or the
operating system. Malicious people take advantage of this vulnerability and
write code targeting the software’s security flaw. This code is then packaged
into a malware to be sent to the victim. The malware can be delivered to the
victim through several ways like a rogue website, email attachment or via
removable storage media. Upon reaching the targeted recipient, there is no
limitation to the amount of havoc the attacker can cause.
Software
updates are meant to block security vulnerabilities. Application developers are
continually testing their software for any flaws. If a vulnerability is
detected, they develop code to repair it and send updates to users. That is why
it’s essential to install an update whenever you receive a notification.
To prevent propagation of malware
If a
device is affected with malware, it is easy to affect other devices within the
network or by sharing removable devices. Hackers can develop malware to encrypt
information after replicating itself in the entire network. They would then
demand money in exchange for the decryption key.
To prevent malware from spreading, it is crucial to install software updates and seal loopholes used by the malware.
Updates and patches help to protect your
data
For
many people, digital devices have become a necessity due to the amount of
personal information they can hold. Devices host a lot of information ranging
from job files to personal photos. Attackers are attracted by the value of
information found in our devices. One way they manage to gain access to the
data is through software vulnerabilities. Outdated apps create a convenient
opportunity for attackers. When they get access to your information, they could
use it to commit a crime or other mischievous actions.
You
should always update the different software in your device to protect yourself
from such fraudsters.
Access to new features
Apart
from improved security, software updates add new features and improve the
existing ones. From the time an application is deployed to the market,
developers are always looking for ways to add new features, improve on
functionality and enhance the end user experience. An application can gain more
stability with no crashing, improved speed and performance when you install
software updates. Crashes and bugs are fixed when you apply a software update
for a particular application.
Disabled automatic updates
Hackers
are becoming more innovative by day. They can turn off your anti-malware
application remotely. When the anti-malware is turned off, hackers can inject
your system with the latest malware code which is undetectable by the outdated
anti-malware. This gives them the room to spy or collect information from your
device without your knowledge. Attackers can use the gathered information to
commit different types of fraud.
To
avoid the risk of such attacks, you should manually check for software updates
and install them whenever the legitimate software vendors avail them.