Introduction

At home or at work, on a laptop, a computer, a smartphone, or a smart device, people use some applications every day.

They could be to relax, like games, newspapers ,… Or to work, like your email application, your computer operating system, or more.

Regularly, you could notice that they request to be updated, but why? They are currently working well, so why should I change that?

Why should I update software?

Most of the time, updating your application will increase the security of your devices by fixing some vulnerabilities.

For instance, the version 118.0.5993.71 of Chrome for Windows (released on October 10, 2023) fixed 20 security issues, including several that could allow for arbitrary code execution!

Updating your software will also allow you to enjoy the latest features of your application.

4 tips for updating software

    1. Make them automatic

Most providers allow you to automatically install the updates on your device. Thus, once they are available, the updates will be downloaded and installed in the background. You don’t need to worry about them! However, you might still have to reboot the device to finish the installation.

Here are some examples:

     2. Update from the source

Don’t get a bad surprise, check if the update comes from a verified source.

On your smartphone or laptop, install and update the applications from the official application stores (Google Play, Microsoft Store, App Store etc.).

You can also receive a notification from the application itself.

Remember, installing hacked, or unlicensed software can spread viruses or malware on your computer and the company network.

Are a few dollars of savings worth to ruining your device or your company?

    3. Beware of phishing fakes!

The first article published was about phishing emails.

While browsing the Internet, you could face similar phishing messages, through pop-ups for instance. Similar to phishing emails, be careful when a pop-up requests an urgent update of  software, or if you receive a colorful blinking message.

Don’t click on links and/or buttons and be careful when you visit an unsecure website.

    4. Create a new habit: checking for updates

Even if you have set up the automatic update, make checking and updating your software a new habit.

Update the application as soon as they are available, and try to check for updates on a weekly basis (at best) or a monthly basis (at worst)!

If you hear that an application that you are using doesn’t have updates anymore, contact your IT department to buy the newest version of it or to find a solution.

Which device should be updated?

That’s easy! Every device should!

• Your laptop (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Chrome OS…)
• Your smartphone (Android, iOS…)
• Your connected devices (TV, watches, doorbells, cameras, home speakers…)

With the next article, we will end the cybersecurity month awareness. Don’t forget to subscribe and share those articles to increase the cybersecurity in your company or at home!

At APIS Consulting, we can help you reinforce your IT security practices and cyber security awareness. You can contact us by email: contact@apisconsulting.cn or by adding Antoine on WeChat via the QR code below if you need some trainings, cyber security audits, strengthening your IT security, and/or outsourcing your IT security.

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