Don’t Neglect this Easy Cybersecurity Fix: Update Your Software

21 October 2024
By Kendall George
Stop clicking "Remind me later." Update your software.

Protecting your devices and data from cyber threats can seem overwhelming. However, one of the easiest and most effective steps is to keep your software and apps updated. Regular updates are not just about getting the latest features—many updates include security patches critical to keeping your data and devices secure.

The Risk of Outdated Software

When you don’t update your software, you leave the door open for cybercriminals to exploit known vulnerabilities. Hackers thrive on finding and exploiting systems without the latest security patches. Many large-scale data breaches and ransomware attacks happen because companies or individuals fail to update their software.

Fortunately, you can avoid this risk with just a few clicks.

Four Simple Tips to Stay Secure

Here are four easy tips to make sure you’re always up-to-date and protected:

1. Enable Automatic Updates

One of the easiest ways to ensure your devices and apps stay current is by turning on automatic updates. Most systems, whether it’s your smartphone, laptop, or favorite app, can automatically download and install updates as soon as they become available. This way, you don’t have to worry about checking for updates manually.

Some operating system updates may require a restart of your device to take effect. It’s best to do this immediately, but if you’re in the middle of something, many devices allow you to schedule the restart for a more convenient time, like overnight. Even with automatic updates turned on, periodically checking your settings to ensure everything is working smoothly is still a good idea.

Applications like Google Chrome must be restarted for updates to take effect. When Chrome tells you, “New Chrome available,” relaunch your browser at your earliest opportunity. Chrome and other browsers will remember your tabs and windows and reopen them when you relaunch the application. In a worst-case scenario, you can find your recent windows and tabs in your browser history. There isn’t a good reason to put off restarting your browser.

2. Download Updates from Trusted Sources

Before downloading any software, update, or app, always verify it’s coming from a trusted source. Just because an app is in your device’s official app store (like the Apple App Store or Google Play) doesn’t guarantee it is safe.

Avoid using pirated, hacked, or unlicensed software, no matter how tempting it may be. These versions often contain hidden malware or viruses, putting your data and devices at serious risk. 

3. Beware of Fake Update Pop-Ups

If you’ve ever seen a suspicious pop-up window urging you to download an urgent software update, you’re not alone. These fake update prompts often appear when you’re on questionable websites or if malware is already on your machine. These classic phishing scams are known as scareware and are designed to trick you into downloading malicious software.

Never click on pop-ups that claim to offer software updates. Instead, close your browser and run an anti-virus scan on your device if you suspect malware. Many web browsers also warn about potentially unsafe sites, so pay attention to these alerts and avoid interacting with untrusted websites.

4. Make Checking for Updates a Habit

Many devices and apps will notify you when updates are available, but even if they don’t, you should get into the habit of checking regularly. 

Taking a few minutes to update your software will give you peace of mind, knowing that your devices are protected against the latest known vulnerabilities. Plus, you’ll benefit from any new features or performance improvements that come with the update.

Final Thoughts: Embrace Updates for Better Security

Keeping your software and apps up-to-date is one of the easiest ways to enhance your cybersecurity. By enabling automatic updates, downloading software from trusted sources, avoiding scareware, and making updates part of your digital lifestyle, you’ll significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to cyberattacks.

For more information, check out the article below.

Software Updates by the National Cybersecurity Alliance

Phishing Simulations

The College is committed to performing four phishing simulations annually, two in the spring and two in the fall. We will perform both fall phishing simulations during October. All employees will be “phished,” and for the first time, students will be phished, too. Look for suspicious messages delivered to your inbox and report them like any genuine phishing message. Feel free to work with your colleagues and classmates–this is what we want you to do with real malicious emails. 

Save the Date for the Virtual Town Hall

A regular feature of Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a town hall meeting with Kendall George, Carleton, and St. Olaf Colleges’ information security officer. In this informational and interactive session, he’ll describe the current state of the higher education cyberthreat and the steps you can take to keep the campus and your digital life secure. There will be ample time for Q&A.

Save the Date: Noon, Wednesday, October 30, 2023.

Cybersecurity Training

Annual cybersecurity training for employees is due by October 31. To encourage everyone to get this done by the end of the month, employees who complete this training by the deadline will be entered into a drawing for two Bon Appetit meal vouchers. Feel free to work as a team and, in other ways, encourage your colleagues to meet this important annual requirement. The course covers a variety of current cybersecurity issues. It doesn’t take a lot of time. Plan for no more than 30 minutes to complete the course.

Cybersecurity is everyone’s job. Be safe out there, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us or the Help Desk.

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